LSU Topples North Texas 41-14

The top ranked LSU Tigers opened up their 2012 campaign with a solid 41-14 win over the North Texas. Les Miles focused on the running game and was rewarded with some outstanding performances from Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard (pictured left).

Blue got the start, carrying the rock for 123 yards on 16 carries. Hilliard was even better, rushing for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 carries for a 10.8 average. As a team, the Tigers rushed for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night.

Quarterback Zach Mettenberger made his first start as a Tiger, going 19 of 26 for 192 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Seven different Tigers caught at least one pass, with sophomore Jarvis Landry reeling in 8 for 82 yards. Mettenberger's lone TD pass went to Kadron Boone.

As a whole, the offense racked up 509 yards, thanks in part to their outstanding offensive line play.

LSU's biggest strength a year ago was their defense. It will likely be their greatest strength once again. Defensively, the Tigers got the job done on Saturday night. North Texas could only gain 219 yards, 80 of which came on a touchdown catch and run by wide receiver Breland Chancellor just before halftime.

Click here for a complete game recap from the LSU athletic department.