Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Pete Fiutak

Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss Prediction, Game Preview


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

All of the CFN Fearless Predictions


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.

“Go to the bank!” Today’s top pick of the day just released

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.
Get Tickets Here for USM vs. MSU


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

5: Hustlers
1: Where’d You Go Bernadette

NEXT: Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far

Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far

2019 Mississippi State Football Schedule

2019 Record: 1-0
2019 Preseason Prediction: 
8-4
2019 Preseason SEC Prediction: 4-4
2018 Record: 8-5

Aug. 31 Louisiana (in New Orleans) W 38-28
Sept. 7 Southern Miss W
Sept. 14 Kansas State W
Sept. 21 Kentucky W
Sept. 28 at Auburn L
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Tennessee L
Oct. 19 LSU W
Oct. 26 at Texas A&M L
Nov. 2 at Arkansas W
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Alabama L
Nov. 23 Abilene Christian W
Nov. 28 Ole Miss W

2019 Southern Miss Football Schedule

2019 Record: 1-0
2019 Preseason Prediction: 
9-3
2019 Preseason C-USA Prediction: 7-1
2018 Record: 6-5

Aug. 31 Alcorn State W 38-10
Sept. 7 at Mississippi State L
Sept. 14 at Troy W
Sept. 21 at Alabama L
Sept. 28 UTEP W
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 North Texas W
Oct. 19 at Louisiana Tech L
Oct. 26 at Rice W
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 UAB W
Nov. 16 at UTSA W
Nov. 23 WKU W
Nov. 30 at Florida Atlantic W

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.