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Final predictions for Mississippi State football vs Toledo

Can the Bulldogs have a better performance against the Rockets?

By Andrew Miller

Aug 31, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive lineman Ryan Jackson (97) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive lineman Ryan Jackson (97) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State football (1-1) hosts Toledo (2-0) Saturday night in Starkville hoping to bounce back from a frustrating loss to Arizona State. Will this be a get-right game for the Bulldogs, or will they send State fans into panic mode? Let's breakdown the matchup...

State's defense needs to contain Toledo's playmakers at wide receiver

Though the Rockets have recently been a team that leans on its run game (frightening for State fans...), they aren't as strong in that department this season. Where they are talented is at receiver. WRs Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross III and TE Anthony Torres are a dynamic group of pass catchers that won't be easy to stop. The Toledo offense runs through those guys, and it's on the MSU secondary to keep them in check. This will be the first true test for the Bulldogs' pass defense this season.

The Bulldog offensive line has to hold up against a strong Toledo front

Toledo has some dangerous pieces along the defensive line in DE D'Andre Ragin and DT Darius Alexander. The Rocket front is good at getting after QBs, and they could cause some problems for Mississippi State. The Bulldog OL had some issues in protection last week against ASU, a big reason why the offense got off to such a slow start. They've got to perform better against the Rockets and give Blake Shapen time to throw. If they can, Shapen should be able to find success attacking Toledo's inexperienced CBs on the outside.

Mississippi State football should be able to bounce back against the Rockets

Toledo is a good G5 program that isn't going to be scared entering this environment. They've come close in recent years at springing upsets over power teams, and they're desperate to finally get a win in that department. For Mississippi State, they've got to leave last week's performance behind them and come out firing against the Rockets. If they don't, Toledo will ready to pounce. But I do think State will have a better showing in this game. Their skill talent on offense will be too much for the Toledo defense, and despite concerns for the Bulldog D, I haven't been impressed so far with Toledo's offense this season. They'll get some points, but they won't keep up with State.

Mississippi State wins 38-23

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