Mississippi State vs. Southern Mississippi fearless prediction and game preview.
Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss Broadcast
Date: Saturday, September 7
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS
Network: ESPNU
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Mississippi State (1-0) vs. Southern Miss (1-0) Game Preview
Why Southern Miss Will Win
It wasn’t the opening Mississippi State might have wanted.
It got by Louisiana, but the defense wasn’t nearly the rock it was throughout last season, the offense stalled a bit too often, and it wasn’t the total layup the SEC team wanted against the Sun Belt.
This is where the USM defense kicks in.
The Golden Eagle offense was fine – QB Jack Abraham had a nice day with close to 300 yards – but the team loaded with veterans will be a player in the Conference USA race because of its overall experience and nasty defense, especially up front. Alcorn State didn’t get anything going on the ground, and MSU will have a hard time busting out too many big runs.
USM has the make-up and talent to at least slow the game down and keep this close, but …
Why Mississippi State Will Win
The Golden Eagles won’t do anything with the running game.
They came up with a nice day through the air against the FCSer, but the offensive line couldn’t generate enough of a push with just 96 yards and with too many empty drives. The two turnovers and ten penalties didn’t help, but worst of all in a game like this, USM couldn’t control the time of possession.
Mississippi State might not have looked perfect against Louisiana, but offense was balanced, new starting quarterback Tommy Stevens was good enough – throwing for 236 yards and two scores – and Kylin Hill got the ground game going.
The Bulldogs can move the ball in a variety of ways. USM can’t.
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What’s Going To Happen
Don’t expect a whole lot of fireworks. The Bulldog defensive front will be a whole lot better against the run than it was against the Ragin’ Cajuns, and the offense will be just effective enough to own the time of possession battle to keep control. However, USM’s defense will keep this close throughout – the Bulldogs will never feel comfortable.
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Mississippi State vs. Southern Mississippi Prediction, Line
Mississippi State 27, Southern Miss 13
Line: Mississippi State -16.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 2.5
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1: Where’d You Go Bernadette
