Ruston, LA -- (Sports Network) - Taylor Bennett threw for 161 yards and one touchdown to lead the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a non-league matchup at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Patrick Jackson ran for 61 yards and one score in the Louisiana Tech (1-0) victory, while Phillip Livas grabbed six balls for 85 yards.

Anthony Dixon ran for 80 yards on just 16 carries to pace Mississippi State (0-1) in the losing effort. Quarterback Wesley Carroll was atrocious in the setback, throwing for just 158 yards and four interceptions in the loss.

Mississippi State capped a nine play, 94-yard drive midway through the first period with an eight-yard strike from Carroll to Brandon McRae, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

Louisiana Tech got on the board late in the frame with a 48-yard field goal from Brandon Oestriecher.

MSU added seven more late in the second quarter with a one-yard plunge by Brandon Hart.

Louisiana Tech found the end zone in the closing seconds of the half, as Bennett connected with Jackson for a six-yard score. MSU blocked the extra point attempt, however, and went into halftime with a 14-9 lead.

Jackson gave Louisiana Tech its first lead of the day midway through the third quarter with a six-yard scamper, and a 28-yard field goal from Oestriecher in the closing seconds of the period gave the Bulldogs a 19-14 advantage.

Oestricher connected on a 50-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter to give Louisiana Tech a 22-14 lead, the final score in the contest.