College Football Predictions: LSU vs. Mississippi State Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 20:38

It’s time to preview the LSU vs. Mississippi State college football game with predictions on the score.

ESPN will show the college football game between the #3 LSU Tigers (2-0) and the #25 Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-1) live on Thursday with an 8:00 PM ET start time, and our preview of the SEC clash will hopefully make sure that everyone is on the right side of the action.  LSU took a 29-7 victory in last year’s meeting, while Mississippi State almost pulled the upset at home the previous year, losing 26-30 as 12-point underdogs.

LSU was a 3-point underdog in their season opener against Oregon, but dominated with key turnovers in what turned out to be a 40-27 rout.  The Tigers then went on to easily handle Northwestern State by a final score of 49-3.  Jarrett Lee has been solid in filling in for the suspended Jordan Jefferson, but his 59.4% completion rate could spell problems at some point down the line.  One thing that LSU can count on is their defense which is allowing just 215.0 yards per game despite having to take on the high-scoring Ducks.

Mississippi State didn’t have any trouble in their 59-14 opener against Memphis but fell 34-41 to Auburn despite being listed as 5.5-point betting favorites.  The Bulldogs have gotten solid quarterback play from the scrambling Chris Relf, and Mississippi State has put up 588 total yards per game.  What will decide the LSU vs. Mississippi State game is whether or not the Bulldogs can run.  Although they have gained 321 rushing yards per game on 6.4 yards a pop, LSU has allowed just 45.5 rushing yards per game on 1.7 yards a carry.

The Mississippi State defense has been a problem as well, allowing 199.5 rushing yards per game.  Although plenty of damage was done against Auburn, it is worth noting that Memphis ran the ball well against the Bulldogs as well.  Helping out Mississippi State’s cause is the fact that Lee has an ankle injury.  He’ll suit up and play, but it is possible his lack of mobility will figure into the equation if the Bulldogs can produce some pressure in the backfield.

LSU is the 3.5-point road favorite at 5Dimes Sportsbook, and close to 75% of tracked college football bettors are taking the Tigers.  LSU has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 against Mississippi State, while the favorite has won money for their backers in 7 of the last 10 in this series.  The LSU vs. Mississippi State total sits at 48.5, and 6 of the last 7 clashes between these schools have exceeded their respective totals.  Make sure to place your bets with 5Dimes Sportsbook so that you receive your 50% cash bonus.  Simply click on the one of the two links listed above to get started and claim your free money.

I do believe that the Tigers are quite a bit overrated on offense right now, but it is unlikely to matter here.  LSU can shut down the Mississippi State offensive attack and set themselves up with quality field position throughout.  The Bulldogs don’t have the defense to take away the LSU running game and that should be enough for the road favorites to get the win while covering the point spread.

LSU vs. Mississippi State Score Predictions:

LSU 27

Mississippi State 17