Fournette Express carries LSU over Mississippi State

Despite suiting up last week and playing for about 30 minutes against McNeese State before the game was called due to inclement weather, this one was billed as LSU's first game of the season.

The 15th-ranked Tigers came into No. 25 Mississippi State's home field in Starkville like a new team: Quarterback Brandon Harris looked poised and smart, the playcalls were diverse and aggressive, and the defense was playing lights out.

LSU took a commanding 14--0 lead in the first quarter, largely on the legs of sophomore Leonard Fournette, who finished with 159 yards and three touchdowns. LSU needed every last one of them.

But can they contend with the vicious SEC West? “We have the players, we have the coaches. It's time," Fournette told reporters after the game. We will see.

LSU beats MSU Bulldogs 21-19

MSU's Dak Prescott, frustrated most of the night by the Bengals D, finally solved LSU in the fourth quarter by lobbing short throws underneath that got them into easy down and distance. Scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs failed in the little things along the way to their first loss of the season.

They missed a crucial two-point conversion after scoring their second TD; they got called on a crucial delay of game near the end, which cost them 5 yards and probably the game.

LSU on the other hand, got long plays and touchdowns called back all night, negating big plays and huge chunks of yardage. Still, LSU hung on to win 21-19 on the road.

Fans will say Les Miles did all he could to lose the game -- and they're partially right -- but LSU's first game showed that the Tigers need a second wind to wear teams down -- and they need to stay aggressive down the stretch. Overall it was a solid B effort. #GeauxTigers

LSU pops Mississippi State Buldogs, 37 -1 7

Zach Mettenberger has finally showed the Tiger faithful what LSU coaches have been raving about the past three months as the Georgia native went 19-30 for 273 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 37-17 win over Mississippi State.

"He's at a hot streak right now. I think that's something Zach and the fans and really everybody have been waiting on all season," LSU center P.J. Lonergan said. "It's good to finally see him get in that rhythm."

Mettenberger's top target was Jarvis Landry, who finished with nine catches for 109 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown to help the Tigers (8-2, 4-2 SEC) beat the Bulldogs (7-3, 3-3).

Why the sudden explosive of offense for the Tigers???

"I think it is just everybody on the offense just maturing. We are really young in the receiving corps," Mettenberger said. "They are starting to know their assignments and are running better routes. That is all I can ask. If we can continue to keep clicking like this there are going to be big games for everybody like what Jarvis had tonight."

"Our passing game obviously is coming," LSU coach Les Miles said. "Zach is playing extremely well. He's got a nice touch on the ball. I think he knows where he needs to go. He's making quality decisions."

Oh, if we could get Bama again.