Behind the Numbers: LSU v Mississippi St

Paul already alluded to it, this was one of the most deceiving box scores ever.  You could look at the box score, especially the total yards, and think the game was close.  It wasn't.  However, some numbers demonstrate how LSU dominated MSU.

3 - The number of incompletions thrown by MSU quarterbacks.  Contrasted with...

5 - The number of interceptions thrown by MSU quarterbacks. 

5 - The number of carries by LSU running backs not named Stevan Ridley.  We can safely say that running back by committee is over before it even began.  All of those carries went to Alfred Blue.

87 - Patrick Peterson's all purpose yards, leading all non-quarterbacks in the game.  Kneel before Zod. Yeah, he's pretty good.

7:31 - The time remaining in the fourth quarter when LSU punted for the first time, marking the first drive that did not result in points. LSU scored points on its first seven drives.

M48 - LSU's average starting field position.  Yes, the offense started, on average, in MSU territory.  Makes scoring a lot easier.

6.04 - Jordan Jefferson's AVSQBPI.  That's his best performance of the year.  Just a quietly efficient outing.

2 - The number of Mississippi St fumbles.  They lost neither of them.  Which means, it could have been worse for the Bulldogs, given their fumble luck.

11:06 - LSU's time of possession in the first quarter.  LSU's first two drives went 87 yards and took 23 plays.  They were things of beauty, aside from the whole "can't score touchdowns in the red zone" thing.  LSU didn't have a three-and-out drive all night. 

40 - The number of yards gained by MSU on one of their longest drives of the night.  It started with 2:26 left with the game truly out of reach.  State did win the yardage game by 4, but that was assisted by those 40 yards in garbage time.  It's not just gaining yards, it's what you are driving towards.