SEC play is starting to get into the swing of things in Week 3 as rivals Mississippi State and LSU meet in Baton Rouge. Both are coming off impressive wins, as the Bulldogs beat Arizona 39-17 and the Tigers blew out Southern from the SWAC. 65-17.
This is the first conference game for both, as they come in sitting outside the Top 25. A win here could push Mississippi State into the conversation, while new LSU head coach Brian Kelly is looking to make his mark.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF picks, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF odds for Mississippi State vs LSU. We’ve plenty of NCAAF predictions for you to consider.
Mississippi State Passing Offense
Mississippi State Bulldogs’ head coach Mike Leach is known for his high-powered passing game, and this season is no different. His “air raid” style has been the core component of the team, as it has been for the other schools he has coached..
The Bulldogs quarterback, Will Rogers has benefited from his second year in the system, putting up great numbers. Rodgers has thrown 763 yards and nine touchdowns.
He is getting a lot of chances to throw, averaging 49 passing attempts per game, and has been efficient completing 78.6% of them. Rara Thomas has been the prime wide receiver, with 10 receptions, 144 yards, and a touchdown. It has led Mississippi State to have the nation’s fifth-highest yards per game.
Leach’s passing offense has been untested so far, beating Memphis in Week 1, and Arizona is not a powerhouse in the PAC-12. Facing LSU will give more of a measuring stick.
LSU Under Brian Kelly
With LSU Tigers having struggled over the last two seasons, the Tigers hired Kelly to briing them back to their usual level of play. His first game was spoiled by special team mistakes resulting in a 24-23 loss to Florida State.
In his second game, the Tigers dominated Southern on the ground. They rushed for 230 of their 520 total yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry for five touchdowns. The defense also showed up against the pass, having looked shaky against Florida State, to allow just 61 yards.
However, it was clear that LSU had the more talented team, so looking back at how they played against the Seminoles holds much more value. The defense only foced one punt all game, but did cause a late game turnover in order to have a chance at overtime.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who transferred from Arizona State, had an outstanding performance. He passed for 260 yards and two touchdowns, throwing one that should have tied the game. He also was the main threat on the ground, rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Mississippi State vs LSU Injury Report
Mississippi State’s injury report is empty. On the other hand, LSU’s defensive lineman Maason Smith suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 1.
Mississippi State vs LSU Head-to-Head
These SEC rivals have met a total of 115 times, with LSU winning a resounding 76 games. Last year the Tigers won 28-25, with the Bulldogs falling short of a comeback.
Mississippi State vs LSU Game Information
- Date: Sept. 17
- Time: 6 pm
- Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
- How to watch Mississippi State vs LSU?
Mississippi State vs LSU Live Stream: ESPN
Mississippi State vs LSU Betting Lines
| Team | Point Spread | Over/Under |
| Mississippi State | -2 -115 | 53 -110o |
| LSU | +2 -105 | 53 -110u |
Mississippi State vs LSU Prediction
Mississippi State heads into Death Valley, favored by two. Their offense has been rolling, as their passing attack has led the way. They have yet to be challenged as LSU has, but have looked good nonetheless. LSU won their its game, but against a lesser opponent. The Tigers’ passing defense did play well last week, but again, it was far from the level of what the Bulldogs bring to the table.
It will be a test for both teams, but Mississippi State, which was a bowl team last year, has the talent to beat its rival. It could end up being a high-scoring game if both quarterbacks live up to the moment.
