Tell me if you’ve heard this one before. A graduate transfer quarterback throws for a record number of yards to lead his team to an impressive victory. LSU fans had that experience during a magical championship season in 2019, but on Saturday in front of 21,124 fans they got a taste of their own medicine in a 44-34 loss.
Mississippi State Quarterback K.J. Costello threw for an SEC record 623 yards and five touchdowns against an inexperienced LSU secondary that was missing All-American cornerback Derek Stingley. The sophomore from Baton Rouge was hospitalized on Friday night because of an illness not related to COVID.
Costello carved up the LSU defense. D-B-U had numerous missed assignments and tackles. State senior receiver Osirus Mitchell had seven catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kylin Hill had eight grabs for 158 yards and a touchdown. Javonta Payton also had a big game, six catches for 122 yards as new Mississippi State coach Mike Leach’s SEC debut ended LSU’s 16-game winning streak.
Coach Ed Orgeron said he liked how they pressure the quarterback, but couldn’t cover man-to-man. Orgeron was also surprised with how out of sync his team was in the first half.
It was just the Bulldogs third win over LSU since 2000.
LSU’s offense got off to a slow start as new starting quarterback Myles Brennan was shaky. His receivers also dropped some passes and the offensive line had trouble protecting him. The Bulldogs defense had seven sacks.
Brennan was 27 of 46 for 345 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Terrace Marshall Junior had 8 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
LSU forced four turnovers, including two in the fourth quarter to help them keep up with the Bulldogs. Jabril Cox had a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown for LSU’s first score.
The Tigers will look to rebound this Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt.
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