LSU vs. Mississippi State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jayden Daniels be Able to Take Down the Bulldogs?

LSU vs. Mississippi State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jayden Daniels be Able to Take Down the Bulldogs?

The LSU Tigers bounced back after another disappointing Week 1 effort against Florida State, trouncing non-major opponent, Grambling State, 72-10 at home in Week 2. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is still an extremely talented player, particularly as a ball carrier within head coach Brian Kelly's offense, but he tossed five touchdown passes during the rout against Grambling State.

Mississippi State enters this SEC matchup undefeated, whooping a non-major opponent 48-7 in Week 1, while beating Arizona 31-24 at home this past weekend. For the third consecutive game, the Bulldogs, led by returning quarterback Will Rogers, will play host against the best team they've faced by far in 2023.

Due to playing in the same conference, there is a lot of familiarity between these opponents. LSU has won four of the last five head-to-head matchups outright, narrowly escaping with a 28-25 win in Starkville back in 2021. Will they dominate the Bulldogs, or endure another close matchup?

NCAAF handicapper Matt MacKay gives us his prediction and pick for a Week 3 SEC matchup between LSU and Mississippi State.

LSU vs. Mississippi State Start Time, Where To Watch, Odds

• Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
• Game Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN

Click here for the latest LSU vs. Mississippi State odds

LSU vs. Mississippi State College Injury Report

LSU

Questionable: TE Mason Taylor (Ankle)

Out: N/A

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Questionable: N/A

Out: N/A

LSU vs. Mississippi State Prediction

It's still early in the season, so referencing last year's historical data remains a strong indicator in assessing the quality of each roster. LSU was ranked top-40 in points per game (24th) and points against (34th) in 2022, while Mississippi State nearly matched these numbers in 2022 before the unexpected passing of former head coach, Mike Leach.

The Bulldogs wound up going with Zach Arnett as their replacement head coach, leading them to a Bowl win and starting off 2-0 this season. In 2022, LSU played host in this matchup, winning 31-16 in a game that was even until the Tigers scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs had a 13-0 lead until Daniels marched the Tigers down the field for their first touchdown right before halftime.

LSU only managed a 59.5 percent completion rate, with one passing touchdown, while all Tigers ball carriers were held under 100 rushing yards. Rogers, Mississippi State's quarterback, didn't play very well either, matching Daniels' mediocre output with 214 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The run game was stifled by the Tigers defensive front, so this is where improvement needs to be made by the Bulldogs if they want any chance of defending home field on Saturday.

Oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook are giving the Bulldogs 10 points in Starkville, making them double-digit underdogs at home against the spread. The point total is set at 53.5 at -110 on either side, while LSU is -425 on the moneyline. Obviously, we're not taking LSU's moneyline, as there is zero value with that much juice. The total went under by 6.5 points in last year's matchup in Baton Rouge and both of these defenses remain stout.

In fact, the total in this matchup has hit the under in four of the last five head-to-head matchups, so 53.5 points means we need to be betting the under ahead of Saturday's noon kickoff.

LSU vs. Mississippi State Pick

• Pick: Under 53.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

College Football Odds

• LSU vs. Mississippi State odds for Week 3
• Week 3 college football odds from across the country
• Who is going to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy? Check out the odds here