STARKVILLE — Quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers were an unstoppable force for the LSU offense, generating 530 total yards at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday. Their outstanding performance propelled the No. 14 Tigers to a resounding 41-14 victory over Mississippi State in the SEC opener.
From the beginning of the game, Daniels demonstrated exceptional accuracy, completing his first 13 passes and maintaining his momentum throughout. He achieved his ninth career 300-yard passing game by going 30-of-34 for 361 yards and four touchdowns — two through the air and two on the ground.
In the first half, Daniels and Nabers showcased their offensive prowess. Nabers was targeted 10 times, reeling in all 10 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game with an impressive 13 targets, 13 catches, and 239 yards. Daniels ended the first half with 21-of-22 completions, 255 yards, and two touchdowns, marking his best performance in college football to date.
Amidst the distractions, both literal and figurative, the team’s focus was unwavering. Head coach Brian Kelly emphasized blocking out the noise throughout the week, enabling the Tigers to play exceptional LSU Football for a full four quarters.
Prior to the game, Kelly’s message was clear: start strong, build momentum, and leave no doubt. The team received the message loud and clear.
“From my perspective, our team was well-prepared and eager to compete on the road against a formidable opponent,” reflected Kelly after the game. “I admired their mindset, viewing this as a great opportunity rather than simply an early morning start and a bus ride.”
“We came out here with the right mindset,” added Nabers in a postgame interview. “We anticipated the early game and were determined to start fast.”
In a historic first-half performance, Nabers matched Josh Reed’s record for the best half by an LSU receiver. Reed also had 10 receptions in a game against Alabama in 2001, ultimately concluding with a remarkable 19 receptions — the single-game record for an LSU wideout. Nabers also achieved four catches of 25+ yards in the first half, marking the highest number for an LSU player in the opening half since Ja’Marr Chase in 2019 against Vanderbilt.
“Last week, we targeted him 13 times, so it wasn’t a lack of opportunities,” commented Kelly on Nabers’ outstanding performance. “We were just more accurate with the throws. Jayden did an exceptional job of finding Malik in those matchups and getting him the ball.”
While the passing game made a statement, the LSU defense also made a significant impact by limiting Mississippi State to just 201 yards of offense, with 107 through the air and 94 from rushing. The LSU front seven displayed dominance in the trenches, especially during the first half, as the Bulldogs only managed 79 yards of offense. Running back Woody Marks accounted for most of their yards with a 52-yard rush.
Omar Speights was absent, but true freshman linebacker Whit Weeks stepped up alongside junior Greg Penn III. Weeks made the first two tackles of the game for the Tigers and finished with a team-leading eight tackles, along with a QB hurry. Sophomore Harold Perkins recorded four tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup. Mekhi Wingo, Sai’vion Jones, and Major Burns also contributed with sacks.
“Whit is an agile player who can cover the field from sideline to sideline. He quickly exploits open gaps,” praised Kelly on Weeks’ performance. “Greg Penn fully comprehends the defense and consistently executes his assignments. He’s a crucial part of the team, and the guys feel confident with him out there.”
With this victory, LSU improves to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Mississippi State now holds a 2-1 overall record and 0-1 in the SEC.
The Tigers will return to Death Valley on Saturday night, hosting Arkansas at 6 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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