Mississippi St at LSU – Preview and Prediction
LSU 14 MISS ST (45)
Implied Projected Score: LSU 29.5 Miss St 15.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – LSU 14
The Game
Both teams come into this SEC match-up with an unexpected loss. LSU was upset by Wisconsin on opening weekend as double digit favorites, and meanwhile, Miss St lost by a point against the wacky South Alabama Jaguars in their week one tilt. The Bulldogs can certainly make a big statement in this game while LSU needs to keep the momentum going from their win against FCS foe Jacksonville St.
The Match-Up
LSU offense at Mississippi St defense
It is now the Danny Etling show at QB. Or at least we presume that it is. Etling did not set the world on fire last week when he came in for a struggling Brandon Harris (yes, struggling again) he seemed to inject a bit of life into the offense. It’s unclear what he will bring to the passing game in this contest but we do know that star RB Leonard Fournette is ready to go and backup Derrius Guice had a big game last week.
It’s hard to know what to expect from the Bulldogs’ defense. They are ranked 38th in total defense but have played South Alabama and South Carolina. But hey ? It’s not like the LSU offense is super dynamic (#113 FBS). We do not see Miss St getting blown off the field in this one.
Mississippi St vs LSU offense
What a game last week for Bulldogs’ QB Nick Fitzgerald. He ran for a seemingly impossible 195 yards while passing for 178 more. It is a big road test for Ftizgerald but it always good to know that you have the quicks to get out of trouble when needed. RB Brandon Holloway is only 5’8 165 and we are not crazy about the depth at RB. WR Fred Ross is great.
LSU has not been as strong on defense as we thought they would be so far. Ok, it’s early, but they are only ranked #63 in total defense after playing the Badgers and an FCS opponent. They only have five sacks so far and are ranked #85 in TFL per game. Not enough PENETRATION. We do not think that Mississippi St will move the ball consistently, but on the other hand, there is no evidence to show that there will be a lights-out defensive performance.
MEGA morsels
LSU has won 15/16 against Miss St….That loss came at home in 2014 by a score of 34-29….We never thought there would be a “Danny Etling Era” in Baton Rouge……LSU has a 13-5 ATS record L18 vs Miss St……CROWD-WILL-BE-ROCKING GUY will note that this is a 7pm start.
Summary
The game looks lined perfectly. We can see both sides of the coin. LSU backers can hang their hat on building on the momentum from last week and their series history. Miss St supporters can point to the fact that LSU may struggle to score 14 points, let alone cover. And THEY may actually have found a QB. Puzzler ??
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: None