Final predictions for Mississippi State football vs Eastern Kentucky

Mississippi State football opens up the 2024 season against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. Here's how we see the matchup playing out...

The Bulldog offense should have a big day against the EKU defense

Eastern Kentucky had one of the worst defenses in college football last season, allowing over 476 yards and 33 points per game at the FCS level. There's little to suggest they'll be much improved in 2024. While State is going to be adjusting to a new system, Jeff Lebby's high-flying attack should have little problem putting up points on Saturday.

State's defense needs to handle the Colonel offense

EKU was pretty good offensively in 2023, averaging 29.5 points and 437 yards per game. But their best players from that offense are gone, and they seem destined to take a step back in 2024. MSU has lots of questions on defense, but with EKU breaking in lots of new players themselves, MSU's talent should win-out. But if the Bulldogs can't handle the Colonel offense, that'd be a bad sign for the defense.

ESPN FPI heavily favors Mississippi State

ESPN's analytics expects the Bulldogs to easily win Saturday night. Their FPI ratings give State a 96.7% chance of winning against EKU. If State handles business, they'll roll over the Colonels.

Score prediction for Mississippi State football vs Eastern Kentucky

There's no reason for the Bulldogs to not get an easy win to open up the season. Their new-look offense should have no issues putting up points on a leaky EKU defense. There may be a few miscues breaking in a new system, but State's skill talent will overwhelm the Colonels on the way to a big day. If the EKU offense from 2023 was still around, I'd be slightly concerned that they could challenge the MSU defense. I won't be shocked if EKU can put together a good drive or two, but overall, the talent discrepancy will enough to limit them. Bulldogs win big.

Prediction: Mississippi State defeats Eastern Kentucky 51-16