Mississippi State vs. LSU - Game Time, TV Schedule, Line, Preview, Prediction

Two 3-0 SEC teams kick off their conference schedules on Saturday night in Baton Rouge. Mississippi State travels to LSU in a very important SEC West matchup - one that could have huge implications down the road. The division, which features five teams ranked in the top ten in the country, is looking as competitive as ever. 

Plus, it's a night game in Baton Rouge - there may be no greater environment in college football.

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014

Time: 7:00 PM EST

TV Channel: ESPN

Location: Tiger Stadium (Baton Rouge, LA)

Betting Line: LSU -9.5 via 5Dimes

Prediction: LSU is coming off of another defensive domination, this time against UL Monroe. The Tigers only allowed 93 yards of offense to the Warhawks, and posted their second consecutive shutout. LSU hasn’t given up a point since early in the third quarter of its season opener against Wisconsin (almost 10 quarters).

Mississippi State avoided looking ahead to the LSU matchup and handled South Alabama 35-3. Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 201 yards and rushed for another 139. The Bulldogs defense did let South Alabama gain 345 yards, but they forced four turnovers.

I’m not sold on LSU’s offense under quarterback Anthony Jennings - he's been too inconsistent. Furthermore, the Bulldogs have looked stout against the run this year, most recently holding South Alabama to only 57 yards on 27 carries. It will be key for Mississippi State to stop the running back duo of Kenny Hilliard and Leonard Fournette to force Jennings to beat them with his arm. Mississippi State has the edge at quarterback, so we will take the Bulldogs against the number.