Mississippi State travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU for both of their first SEC games of the 2014 season.
LSU (3-0) hasn’t given up a point since being down 24-7 in the third quarter of their opening game against Wisconsin. They have outscored their opponents 108-0 since then and have posted back to back shut outs for the first time since 1985. Their secondary has been lights out and has yet to give up a touchdown through the air. The Tiger defense is ranked third nationally in yards per game allowed and yards per play.
The offensive has been inconsistent but has proven they can get it done in the clutch. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings has validated his ownership of the starting role over freshman Brandon Harris. Wide receiver Travin Dural has been added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list after playing three games and catching four TDs. The Tigers’ rushing attack consists of two seniors and two freshmen sharing the load, and has accounted for eight rushing scores.
Mississippi State has lost 21 out of its last 22 contests with LSU. Dual-threat quarterback Dak Prescott and starting running back Josh Robinson are both Louisiana-bred, and will be looking to return home against their native state’s flagship university for a big upset. Robinson did not receive an offer from LSU in high school. Prescott did receive an offer but LSU ended up with three quarterbacks committed so Prescott decided to take his game five hours east to Starksville.
The Bulldogs (3-0) and Prescott have been absolutely dominant on offense. Prescott has thrown for 696 yards and nine touchdowns and has added 273 yards and two scores on the ground as well. Prescott even caught a 24 yards pass from wide receiver Jameon Lewis for a touchdown. The Bulldogs have shown depth at the receiver position, 13 different players hauling in catches thus far.
Mississippi State’s defense may not be as highly touted as that of LSU, but their’s cannot be overlooked by the Tigers. The Bulldogs defensive front has gotten to opposing quarterbacks consistently and recorded 11 sacks. They have combined for five interceptions, forced three fumbles, and allowed just 37 points.
The line of scrimmage is going to be the determining factor in this game for both teams. LSU’s offensive line has not lived up to the hype so far. If the Bulldogs can get to Anthony Jennnings, it’s going to be a long night in Baton Rouge.
In the end, I think a night game in Death Valley will be too tough to overcome and the Tigers will prevail 27-14.
*Section Photo credit to ; Featured Photo (above) credit to Crystal LoGiudice, USA Today Sports
