Mississippi State defended its home field against the favored NC State Wolfpack with a dominating defensive performance to improve to 2-0. This week, the Bulldogs will restart the series against the Memphis Tigers (2-0). Check out the odds and my prediction for this week’s game.
The Bulldogs and Tigers have not played since 2011, and that game did not go well for Memphis in the 59-14 defeat. The Bulldogs own a 34-10 advantage in the series.
Memphis barely escaped Jonesboro in a high-scoring affair, holding off Arkansas State 55-50. The Tigers have scored 97 points against subpar defenses. Mississippi State silenced NC State after their week one offensive explosion and will look to slow down a Memphis offense that looks to have some playmakers.
Mississippi State vs. Memphis odds Week 3
The week 3 WynnBet odds says Mississippi State (-120) is a three-point favorite against Memphis (+100) with the Over/Under at 64 (-110). If you like to bet the money line, the odds are Mississippi State (-170) and Memphis (+145).
Mississippi State has beaten Memphis by more than 3 points in the last 6 matchups. The total has gone over 64 points just twice since 1993.
Mississippi State vs. Memphis prediction Week 3
Memphis is a young team led by a true freshman QB in Seth Henigan. The ground game is lead by Brandon Thomas and Starkville native Rodriques Clark. Henigan will look to air it out to Sean Dykes and Calvin Austin III.
Defensively Memphis is led by linebackers Thomas Pickens and former Mississippi State JJ Russell, defensive backs Quindell Johnson and Greb Rubin, and defensive linemen John Cartwright and Jaylon Allen.
Mississippi State should move the ball against the Tiger defense, which surrendered 680 yards and 35 first down to Arkansas State. If the Bulldog offensive line keeps Will Rogers upright, he should have a field day in Memphis. I expect a big day from Woody Marks, and Mississippi State could have multiple 100-yard efforts by any receiver.
I also feel Zach Arnett will have a solid game plan to slow down the Memphis offense. I made the mistake of thinking the NC State offense would be successful against Mississippi State. I have learned my lesson, Bulldog fans.
The defense should make a home in the backfield, sacking Henigan several times. Linebacker Jett Johnson will make his presence felt after a 9 tackle performance, and Emmanuel Forbes will get his first pick of the season.
Mississippi State covers the spread, but the score will fall under the total, 45-14.
I also predict the Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin or Weapon L, as I will call him, will be a difference-maker on special teams, and he will have a decent game receiving.