Mississippi State vs. LSU: Score and Twitter Reaction

A clash of SEC teams can yield some unexpected results, and that was exactly the case on Saturday night when the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the No. 8 LSU Tigers by a score of 34-29. This outcome will surely shift the balance of power going forward in one of the nation's strongest conferences.

The Associated Press (via ESPN.com) supplied MSU head coach Dan Mullen's thoughts on the win after the game:

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"I probably aged seven to 10 years in the final three minutes of the game," said sixth-year Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen. "We are trying to build a program and I'll take it. I guess everybody can now write now I have beaten LSU and Alabama once during my career."

"There was not one bit of panic or one bit of concern," Mullen said. "Our guys played with a lot of confidence. We made plays when we needed to. We have been doing that all year. When we need a big play, guys step up and make them."

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LSU was put on upset alert from the onset of the game thanks to some accurate passing from Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. The junior signal-caller completed four passes on the opening six-play, 51-yard drive capped off by a nine-yard touchdown strike to De'Runnya Wilson.

Rivals.com noted the game's early score:

Later in the opening quarter, LSU was halted by the Bulldogs defense after attempting to reach the end zone on a 4th-and-goal. After the turnover on downs, Mississippi State took over on their own 2-yard line. The Prescott-to-Wilson connection took over the game once again.

The quarterback hit his favorite target for gains of 26 and 44 yards on a five-play, 98-yard drive that was finished with a three-yard touchdown run by Josh Robinson.

Shea Dixon of 247Sports gave his early take on Wilson's excellent play:

The game continued to get out of hand for the Tigers, as another punt from the offense led to a 27-yard field goal from Evan Sobiesk, increasing the Bulldogs' lead to 17-0. Luckily for the Tigers, Anthony Jennings was able to connect twice with Travin Dural to set up a Colby Delahoussaye 30-yard field goal that finally got LSU on the board.

Entering the second half, it was clear LSU would need to make significant adjustments to get back into the game, as the home team trailed 17-3.

Well, it only took one play for the Tigers to get right back into the mix. Kwon Alexander stripped Prescott, and Danielle Hunter scooped up the loose ball and returned it 25 yards for an LSU touchdown. Chad Washington of The Daily Advertiser tweeted the action:

Suddenly Mississippi State's lead dwindled to just seven points. Prescott made sure it didn't stay that way, quickly atoning for his fumble by bursting through the LSU defense for a 56-yard touchdown scamper.

Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee has been impressed with Prescott for quite some time now. He reminded everyone after the quarterback's scintillating score:

All it took was one more LSU punt for Prescott to continue his onslaught. He hooked up with Jameon Lewis for a 74-yard score. Facing plenty of pressure, Prescott eluded the rush, found some room to maneuver and hit a wide-open Lewis who ran to paydirt.

ESPN SEC tweeted what the score meant for LSU:

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Prescott-to-Jameon Lewis for a way-too-easy 74-yard TD is an absolute back-breaker for LSU. It's 31-10 in Baton Rouge.

— ESPN SEC (@ESPN_SEC) September 21, 2014"

The fourth quarter began with Mississippi State knocking at the door once again. But LSU's winded defense held strong on a 3rd-and-goal from the 11-yard line, forcing a 28-yard field goal. Down by 24 points, the Tigers had little time remaining to make up their deficit and retain their position among the Top 10.

LSU answered the challenge on the ensuing drive. Jennings hooked up with Dural for a 49-yard gain deep into Mississippi State territory. Two Kenny Hilliard runs later, the Tigers were awarded six points—the team attempted a two-point conversion but failed.

While that touchdown gave LSU a bit of hope, the team's defense was just too tired to stop Robinson, who continued to bounce off would-be tacklers while allowing precious seconds to tick off the game clock.

ESPN SEC summed up the dangerous Robinson with this tweet:

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Josh Robinson is 5-foot-9, 215 pounds of "you don't want to tackle me."

— ESPN SEC (@ESPN_SEC) September 21, 2014"

With nine minutes remaining in the contest the Bulldogs sensed victory and allowed backups to enter the game—something not many onlookers would have thought before the team traveled to Baton Rouge. Although, that action may have been premature.

LSU reserve quarterback Brandon Harris was able to take advantage, gaining some positive yards late in the final quarter and tossing his team's first touchdown strike of the day—a 31-yarder to Malachi Dupre.

Dixon tweeted his take:

That appeared to be the final score of the contest; however, a botched snap on the ensuing possession led to another appearance from Harris. The freshman delivered once again, tossing a jump ball to Dupre in the corner of the end zone to get his team within five points of the Bulldogs.

ESPN SEC tweeted the implications of the quarterback's play:

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Brandon Harris making a play for that LSU starting job. He throws a beautiful spiral.

— ESPN SEC (@ESPN_SEC) September 21, 2014"

From there, the Bulldogs ran down the clock well inside one minute but gave the Tigers offense one more chance. A laser from Harris advanced LSU into position for a Hail Mary, but his final deep attempt was intercepted. Mississippi State finally closed out their opponent, winning by a score of 34-29.

The loss is devastating to LSU, as the team is surely poised for a tumble down the rankings. Expect the Tigers to still hold a Top 25 standing; however, chances of the team entering the College Football Playoff may be rather slim at this point.

The Tigers will attempt to right the ship in Week 5 against New Mexico State, and they'll have to get things together in a hurry, as No. 5 Auburn will be waiting in Week 6.

A big win for Mississippi State virtually assures the team a Top 25 designation heading into Week 5 of the 2014 college football season. The Bulldogs generated enough points to rank 28th in the AP Poll heading into Week 4, and after this enormous victory, they'll surge up the rankings.

Although, a tough test lies ahead for this surging team. After a Week 5 bye, Kenny Hill and the No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies are next on the slate and are coming off a 58-6 rout of SMU on Saturday. Hang on to your hats, because that will certainly be a good matchup.