The LSU Tigers opened their 2007 season on the road against Mississippi State in Starkville, entering the year ranked at No. 2 in the country.
Tigers quarterback Matt Flynn finished 12-of-19 passing for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Jacob Hester ran the ball 14 times for 68 yards, and Early Doucet led the Tigers in receiving with 78 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.
This game was monumental because it was the beginning of a season-long title chase for LSU. The Tigers would eventually defeat Ohio State in the BCS National Championship to conclude the season and the program’s third national championship in program history.
But the opening game in Starkville was what set the tone for what was to come.
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LSU allowed just 146 total yards of offense to the Bulldogs. State had seven turnovers in the game and only recorded nine first downs to the Tigers’ 22.
Mississippi State quarterback Mike Henig went 11-of-28 passing for 120 yards and six interceptions. Fielding one of the best defenses in team history, the Tigers’ defense came alive in Starkville in the 45-0 rout to open the season.
LSU accounted for 347 total yards of offense and held the ball for over 19 minutes during the game. Head coach Les Miles earned another opening season victory for the program, and this time it was in astounding fashion.
Beating the Bulldogs at home is one thing, but to allow less than 150 yards of offense and hold them scoreless is an even greater accomplishment.
The 2007 LSU football team was special, and they showcased that with a statement win on their way to a national championship.
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