by Milton Manningham/ LSU Football Contributor

The LSU Tigers roared back from a disappointing season opener with an emphatic statement win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, defeating them 41-14 in an SEC showdown that showcased their resurgence as championship contenders.

After a lackluster start to the season the No. 14 LSU Tigers were on a mission to reclaim their dominance in the Southeastern Conference. The matchup against Mississippi State provided the perfect opportunity to rectify their course, and boy did they seize it.

Malik Nabers, the dynamic wide receiver, was undoubtedly the star of the show. He set career highs with an astonishing 13 catches for an eye-popping 239 yards, along with two touchdown receptions. His electric performance ignited the LSU offense, leaving the Mississippi State defense bewildered and helpless.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, in his first SEC start for LSU, delivered a masterful performance that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of LSU history. Daniels threw for 361 yards on 30 of 34 passing, boasting a jaw-dropping completion percentage of 88.2%. This remarkable feat set a new school record for passing accuracy in a game with at least 25 attempts. To make his day even more impressive, Daniels ran for two touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and establishing himself as a true playmaker for the Tigers.

In the first half alone, LSU completely dominated, outgaining the Bulldogs 310-79 and establishing a commanding 24-7 lead. This explosive start set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Tigers displayed the kind of prowess that had fans and critics alike believing in their championship aspirations once more.

Defensively, the Tigers also came to play, amassing four sacks in the game, including the much-anticipated first of the season from preseason All-American Harold Perkins. This defensive resurgence was a welcome sight for LSU fans, who had seen their team struggle on that side of the ball in recent outings.

On the other side, the Bulldogs, now in their first year under coach Zach Arnett, appeared to be in a state of transition as they moved away from the “Air Raid” offense famously favored by their former coach, Mike Leach. This new direction seemed to flummox the Mississippi State offense, which was limited to just 201 total yards in the game.

Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers, who had been impressive in the early part of the season, experienced a nightmarish performance, completing just 11 of 28 passes for a mere 103 yards, failing to record any touchdowns and interceptions. It was indeed the worst outing of Rogers’ career as a starting quarterback.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard told the story of LSU’s resurgence, with a resounding 41-14 victory.