Nov 16, 2013; Annapolis, MD, USA; South Alabama Jaguars wide receiver Shavarez Smith (1) scores a first half touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Number 4: The South Alabama Jaguars
The South Alabama Jaguars are the type of opponent that Mississippi State has started scheduling in an effort to do two things. One, find opponents that the Bulldogs should be able to beat, and Two, schedule as a 2-for-1 in an effort to save money. The 2-for-1 is done as a way to pay opponents to come to Starkville twice in exchange for paying these schools less, the Bulldogs make a trip to that team’s stadium as well. I absolutely hate these games. We give the opponent a home game that will be their Super Bowl. If they are ever going to sell out their stadium, it is going to be against us.
If that wasn’t enough to mildly concern you, the Jaguars are going to have a pretty good defense. Will it be good enough to completely shut down the Mississippi State offense? Probably not, but it may give us more fits than we would like it to. So can South Alabama pull off a huge upset?
Upset Chance: 10% The likelihood of it happening is small because the Jags will be vastly inferior when it comes to talent. There are always one or two opponents that challenge teams more than we would like every year. If you are looking for candidates to fit that role this year, look to South Alabama. With the LSU game being the following week, that makes it even more likely.