Sam Leavitt leads LSU to 63-14 victory over McNeese State

Baton Rouge, La. (AP) — Quarterback Sam Leavitt connected for 173 yards and three scores as No. 11 LSU overwhelmed McNeese State 63-14 on Saturday night.

Harlem Berry amassed 125 yards and a touchdown on the ground for LSU (4-1), while defensive end Deuce Geralds added a scoring play on a direct snap. Stacy Gage contributed 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

McNeese State (2-4) opened the scoring when backup quarterback Brady Barrier connected with Jamaal Levi for a 43-yard touchdown, but LSU's defense struck early. A fumble recovery by Tamarcus Cooley set LSU up for Dilin Jones' 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

Three consecutive three-and-outs by LSU's defense allowed the Tigers to build a commanding 28-0 lead. Leavitt added two more scores, connecting with Roman Mothershed for a 1-yard touchdown pass and Corey Barber Jr. for a 6-yard touchdown pass. LSU dominated the first half, outgaining McNeese State 347-31.

McNeese State finally got on the scoreboard with under five minutes left in the third quarter on a 64-yard touchdown run by Jamaal Levi and a subsequent 43-yard pass to Levi. The Cowboys' 49 points were the most they have scored in three games.