FROM THE REAL ART SPORTS DESK
LSU begins with 45-0 rout of Miss. St.

From the AP via the Houston Chronicle (which, out of the four online news sources I checked, including ESPN, the Baton Rouge Advocate, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune, seems to be the only one running the story right now, from all the way over in Houston; go figure):

Craig Steltz had three of LSU's six interceptions of Mississippi State quarterback Michael Henig and the second-ranked Tigers manhandled the Bulldogs again in a 45-0 victory Thursday night.

LSU's new starting quarterback Matt Flynn and new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton struggled to find a rhythm early, but they received plenty of help from Henig, who tied a school record by throwing six picks.

It was LSU's eighth straight win overall and eighth straight in the series with the Bulldogs. Since Mississippi State's last win in 1999, LSU has outscored the Bulldogs 340-81, including three shutouts by 42 or more points.

And

LSU had four sacks and a fumble recovery in addition to the interceptions.

Click here for the rest.

You know, the only way I'm able to enjoy watching a blowout like this is if one of my teams is in it. Otherwise, it's just boring. Who cares if, say, Ohio State wipes the floor with Bowling Green? No fun. Fortunately, tonight's romp featured the LSU Tigers, so I loved it. And they did exactly what they needed to do: beat the living shit out of their greatly over matched opponent, something they've got to do if they're actually serious about getting another national championship. Oh sure, the Tigers were offensively sloppy in the first half, but they pulled it together exceedingly well after halftime, making me much more confident that they've got a shot.

I mean, Flynn may not be able to outplay JaMarcus Russell when he's on and all that, but the Raider quarterback's replacement can easily kick his predecessor's ass when he's off. That is, Flynn is waaay more consistent than Russell, which is what the Tigers are going to need in order to win out.

And, man, six fucking interceptions. The defense is definitely playing better this season.


Louisiana State running back Jacob Hester (18) tries to break free from Mississippi State defenders for a four yard gain during the first quarter of a college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)(via ESPN)

Geaux Tigers!

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