Towson vs. LSU final score: LSU dominates second half en route to a 38-22 win over Towson

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.