The No. 3 LSU Tigers faced a surprising upset bid from the FCS Towson Tigers, but dominated the second half and pulled away to a 38-22 victory. The win was boosted by behind a balanced passing and rushing attack featuring quarterback Zach Mettenberger and running back Michael Ford.
Towson took a 9-7 lead late in the second quarter, as running back Terrance West scampered in for a one-yard touchdown. The score capped a short-field drive set up by a Mettenberger sack and fumble at the Towson 41-yard line.
The LSU Tigers replied to the deficit by scoring 10 unanswered points in the final five minutes of the first half, including a 27-yard touchdown pass from Mettenberger to Odell Beckham with 2:52 left in the period. LSU led 17-9 at the half.
The LSU Tigers continued their onslaught in the second half, outscoring Towson 21-13 to secure the win. The 22 points scored by Towson was the most LSU has given up all season.
Mettenberger finished the game 15-of-26 with 238 yards and two touchdowns. Beckham had five receptions for 128 yards for two touchdowns for the LSU Tigers. Russell Shepard led LSU in rushing with just a single carry - a 78 yard touchdown run - while Ford carried 11 times for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Box Score Hero: LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham had 5 receptions for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Rankings Ramifications: The Tigers were ranked No. 3 coming in, and may be vulnerable to dropping down the polls, given an underwhelming performance against a significantly inferior opponent.
But Did They Cover?: LSU did not cover, as the Louisiana-based Tigers were favored by 42 over the Maryland-based Tigers.
Next Week's Schedule: LSU travels to Gainesville to face No. 11 Florida on Oct. 6, while Towson hits the road to James Madison in Harrisonburg, Va. on Oct. 6.
This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.