First Game in the Books

The SEC football season kicked off in a predictable way last night, with LSU's annual domination of Mississippi State. What wasn't as predictable was how LSU's offense - particularly 5th year senior QB Matt Flynn - stalled at times against a fired-up and solid Mississippi State defense.

For all but the last 2 seconds of the first half, the game was very much up in the air. MSU trailed by only 10, despite a dismal first half which saw QB Matt Henig throw 4 interceptions on 7 possessions. The cowbells (aren't they supposed to be a banned item?) were ringing loudly. And, despite positive field position nearly every possession, LSU had mustered only a FG and a TD and held what seemed to be a tenuous 10 point lead. LSU turned Henig's 4th interception into a 1-yd TD run as the 1st half ended, then iced the game with a easy TD march to open the 3rd quarter.

LSU's defense lived up to their preseason hype, thoroughly dominating this game from the opening kick. LSU outgained MSU 347-146, including 198-10 on the ground. Their defense will be tested much more next week, as the VTU Hokies visit Baton Rogue in a battle of Top 10 Teams. And while Flynn threw for 128 yards and 2 TDs, he completed only 12 passes to 5 receivers, and Early Doucet had 8 of those catches. The Hokies will bring a much more balanced attack next week and force Flynn to look to other guys besides Doucet. The extra 2 days of preparation and game film study should help Flynn adjust.

All in all, an easy pick for The Dead Guy both straight up and against the spread. Much like the Fightin' Bengal Tigers, I opened the season 1-0.