[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE, MISS. -- The stifling defense of LSU lived up to its preseason hype Thursday night, overwhelming Mississippi State as the Tigers took their season opener 45-0.

Riding six interceptions, three of them by senior safety Craig Steltz, LSU dominated the Bulldogs' offense all night while enjoying favorable field position on many drives. Mississippi State quarterback Michael Henig was pounded mercilessly throughout the game, and a linebacking corps led by senior Ali Highsmith, who had eight tackles, bottled up the run.

So controlling was the LSU defense that it even topped its 2006 performance against Mississippi State. Last year, the Bulldogs managed 14 net yards rushing; on Thursday night they could manage only 10 once four costly sacks were factored in.

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