HALFTIME: LSU defense, Kayshon Boutte put on a show as Tigers lead Rebels, 34-21

The Tigers lead the Rebels at halftime in a game that doesn’t look so much like a shootout anymore.

The LSU Tigers gave us plenty of reason for optimism after the 37-34 upset victory over Florida, but we were reminded just how tripped up LSU’s defense can get quite early on before the Tigers started to get their feet under them on both sides of the ball.

The Ole Miss offense showed it meant business right out of the gate, ending its first drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Corral to wide receiver Braylon Sanders.

The Tigers were set up with exceptional field position at the Rebels’ 31, but were unable to produce a touchdown in the red zone, instead settling for a 34-yard field goal from Cade York.

But cornerback Jay Ward quickly took the scoring issue into his own hands, coming up with a pick-six off Corral that he took 31 yards to the house to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead nearing the bottom of the first quarter.

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The LSU defense continued to prevent Ole Miss from getting back to the scoreboard through the first quarter, as Todd Harris reeled in Corral’s second interception of the day shortly before the LSU offense drove down the field to add to its lead.

Josh Williams, formerly a walk-on, showed us just why he earned a scholarship, as his 30-yard run brought LSU to the four-yard line and set up a punch-it-in touchdown for true freshman quarterback Max Johnson.

Ole Miss responded in a resounding way, though, as Rebels running back Jerrion Ealy went from end zone to end zone for a 100-yard touchdown that cut LSU’s lead to 17-14.

LSU seemed to have slightly more momentum what looks to be a shootout for the remainder of the night, as Corral threw his third interception to defensive end Ali Gaye.

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The Tigers offense took full advantage of the turnover, as Johnson connected with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to extend LSU’s lead. Ole Miss predictably came back with a score of its own, as Corral and the offense took it 61 yards down the field over six plays in a drive that ended in a Henry Parrish touchdown.

The Tigers put the last points on the board before halftime, with an 18-yard laser from Johnson to Boutte for the touchdown.

LSU was able to walk into the locker room with a rightful feeling of dominance and the 34-21 lead after Ole Miss’ offensive efforts were shut down when LSU linebacker Jabril Cox snatched a fourth interception off Corral setting up a field goal from York.

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