[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE, MISS. -- LSU waxed Mississippi State for the second year in a row, nailed down its No. 2 ranking and won a Western Division game in the Southeastern Conference. But most of the talk among the Tigers faithful Friday was on the spotty blocking.

Quarterback Matt Flynn was sacked three times and hit hard several others, as the Bulldogs defense played inspired in the first half before losing starch. There also were false starts on the line, some of which can probably be chalked up to opening-game nervousness.

"I hope so," Coach Les Miles said.

On the other hand, the Tigers fan base can be notoriously critical, even after a 45-0 victory. Miles said the Bulldogs employed some unexpected defensive alignments that contributed to LSU's repeated failure to spring a running back or wide receiver Trindon Holliday around the end.

Yet those setbacks merely stalled a few drives. More importantly, Miles said, was the fact LSU did not commit a turnover and the defense was stifling.

There is a reason "defense wins championships" became a football adage, and Miles said it will never be truer than this season for LSU.

Tigers see some room to improve on offense