Mississippi State football gets a big opportunity in their home-opener at a signature win under Jeff Lebby against No. 12 Arizona State. The Bulldogs (1-0) look to get revenge on the Sun Devils (1-0) after falling in Tempe last season. Now in Starkville, they're hoping the cowbells can lead them to a massive early-season upset.
Here are the key notes ahead of tonight's matchup...
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Arizona State Sun Devils odds, point spread and total
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of the morning of September 6. Odds are subject to change
Spread
- Mississippi State +6.5 (-105)
- Arizona State -6.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- Mississippi State +195
- Arizona State -240
Total
- 58.5 (Over -115/Under -105)
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Arizona State Sun Devils injury report
Mississippi State had a handful of players to monitor this week, and it looks like we've got our answer on their availability for Saturday's matchup with the Sun Devils. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, starting offensive lineman Luke Work will be back for the Bulldogs after missing the season-opener. Defensive line transfer Jamil Burroughs is also expected to make his debut.
Sources: Mississippi State is expected to get starting OL Luke Work and DL Jamil Burroughs back against No. 12 Arizona State. They’ll be without starting RT Blake Steen and CB Jett Jefferson. Steen played more than 40 snaps Week 1, and Jefferson is missing second game this year. pic.twitter.com/VflmoCWvDn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 6, 2025
Starting right tackle Blake Steen will be out against Arizona State after suffering an injury in MSU's win over Southern Miss. Starting cornerback Jett Jefferson will miss a second-straight game after not playing in Week 1.
For the Sun Devils, starting center Ben Coleman should be good to go after going down with injury last week. However the status of three other contributors remains up in the air. Wide receiver Jalen Moss, tackle Max Iheanachor, and defensive lineman Justin Wodtly are all questionable against the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Arizona State Sun Devils score prediction
This is a big test early in the season for both sides. Arizona State wants to show they're still very much a playoff contender with a convincing win while the Bulldogs want to show they're ready to compete with talented teams. A growing Mississippi State defense faces a tall task trying to contain Sun Devils QB Sam Leavitt and superstar WR Jordyn Tyson, and the Bulldogs will need a big game out of QB Blake Shapen to find success vs a stout Sun Devil defense. Home field keeps this close, but Arizona State's talent wins out.
Arizona State wins 30-26