Week 5 SEC Power Rankings
Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Taveze Calhoun (23) talks with LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) following the game at Tiger Stadium. Mississippi State defeated LSU 34-29. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
9. LSU Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC)
Last Week’s Result: Lost to Mississippi State 34-29
The LSU defense was understandably confident heading into Saturday’s matchup with Mississippi State. The unit hadn’t allowed a point since the first drive of the third quarter in the season opener against Wisconsin and had shut out their last two opponents. Of course, the Bulldogs are much better than Sam Houston State and ULM, and they drove for a quick touchdown before some fans had even found their seats.
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The Tigers lost to Mississippi State 34-29 despite a fourth quarter push that included a Hail Mary attempt to win the game as time expired. It was the first loss to the Bulldogs in Death Valley since 1991.
True freshman Brandon Harris made a case for more playing time in relief of starter Anthony Jennings. Harris was 6-for-8 passing for 140 yards and two touchdowns before his last second heave to the end zone was intercepted. Both scoring strikes went to fellow freshman Malachi Dupre and one can only assume those two will connect many more times over the next two or three years.
The comeback attempt was a valiant one, but the Tigers dug themselves too deep a hole. The same defense that had been so dominant over the previous ten quarters was largely to blame and surrendered 570 yards to the Bulldogs in the loss. They’ll surely right the ship next week against New Mexico State before travelling to Auburn October 4.
Next Week: vs. New Mexico State