LSU Tigers

Harris efficient, the defensive line dominant vs. Bulldogs

Published Sep. 14, 2015 8:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

There were plenty of positives to take away from LSU's 21-19 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night.

The Tigers managed to start off conference play with a victory, and did so in a hostile road atmosphere. This should only help the young team continue to gain confidence. Leonard Fournette also started his Heisman Trophy candidacy off with a bang, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries. The offensive line looked very good throughout the night.

Brandon Harris also had his moments as the Tigers' signal-caller. While Harris completed only 9-of-14 passes for 71 yards, he was efficient with his throws. The accuracy was there, and he didn't make a mistake. Harris simply took care of the football and let his deep and talented group of running backs do the job. While he wasn't exceptional throwing the football down the field, Harris was the team's second-leading rusher with 48 yards on only five carries. His athleticism could be a true x-factor for this team down the line.

Perhaps the biggest story was just how dominant the defensive line was versus Dan Mullen's team. It's no secret Mississippi State likes to run the football. It gets them into a rhythm, and helps to set up play-action opportunities down the field.

LSU held MSU to only 43 yards rushing on 26 carries, equating to a paltry 1.7 yards-per-carry average. Defensive end Arden Key in particular appears to have an extremely bright future off of the edge. Not only was he active, but flashed considerable athleticism.

If Saturday night is any indication as to how the season will go, the hiring of defensive line coach Ed Orgeron was both supremely underrated and shrewd.

Brandon Harris: "(Miles) has a lot of confidence in me. I don’t think he goes into a game saying we have to be conservative." #LSU
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) September 14, 2015

#LSU coach Les Miles on Harris as runner: If there’s an opportunity for QNB to carry the ball, we want him to. Enjoy his ability to scramble
— Jim Kleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 14, 2015

#LSU defense also held Dak Prescott to career-low minus-19 rushing yards.Prescott went into game w/ 2,005 career rushing yards. @LSUfball
— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) September 13, 2015

Last nite,@LSUfball held MSU to 43 rushing yards - the fewest in Prescott era & snapped streak of 15 straight games w/ 100+ yds for State
— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) September 13, 2015