The strangest play of the 2017 season happened Saturday in Louisiana

With 14 minutes left against Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech trailed 57-14 but had a second-and-goal at the Mississippi State 6. After a loss on the next play, they faced third-and-goal from the 7.

That might not seem worthy of Tighten Up recognition — until you realize that the third-down play was run from their own 7.

Louisiana Tech lost 87 yards on a single play that should only be viewed with accompanying clown music.

The ball was snapped past quarterback J’Mar Smith in the shotgun formation. Smith missed on a chance to recover the fumble around the 20-yard line, then two Mississippi State players kicked the ball multiple times down the field.

Louisiana Tech’s Cee Jay Powell should be commended for hustling the whole way, eventually recovering the bouncing ball at the Louisiana Tech 7, setting up a third-and-93.

In case you’re wondering, Mississippi State successfully completed the goal-line stand.

Louisiana Tech was never going to beat Mississippi State. But an 87-yard loss? They’ve got to tighten up.

For Threaded Fasteners, I’m Randy Kennedy with Tighten Up.