With SEC Media Days behind us, the focus shifts to the Mississippi State Bulldogs' upcoming season. Let’s dive into each matchup on their schedule, examining the first six games, and I'll share my thoughts and predictions.
Mississippi State football opens the season with FCS foe
The Bulldogs kick off their season at Davis Wade Stadium against Eastern Kentucky on August 31st at 5 p.m.
For this matchup, my advice for the Bulldogs is simple: "First impressions matter." The pressure is on, especially after a disappointing season under Zack Arnett. A loss in the first game would be a significant setback, given the optimism surrounding Jeff Lebby's arrival. However, I expect the Bulldogs to prevail. While Eastern Kentucky might keep it close for a while, Mississippi State should come out on top.
Prediction: Mississippi State wins 35-10
Record: 1-0
Mississippi State football heads out west for Week 2
Next, the Bulldogs travel to Tempe, Arizona, to face Arizona State on September 7th at 9:30 p.m.
This game could be a potential trap game for Mississippi State. Arizona State has a history of surprising stronger opponents, as they did to Oregon in 2019. Such a scenario could impact Jeff Lebby and his team. However, I predict the Bulldogs will survive their trip out west.
Prediction: Mississippi State wins 28-21
Record: 2-0
Potential tricky game for Mississippi State football in Week 3
Mississippi State returns home for their third game against Toledo on September 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Toledo presents an interesting challenge, having finished last season at 11-3. The Rockets should've defeated Illinois on the road last year, and they'll be more than ready for their chance at taking down a SEC program. I'm concerned State may sleepwalk through this one after the trip to Tempe with their SEC-opener looming. If this one's close late, Toledo could spring the upset. And I think that's what happens.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 24-21
Record: 2-1
Mississippi State football plays pivotal SEC opener in Week 4
SEC play begins as the Bulldogs head to Gainesville, Florida, to take on the Florida Gators on September 21st at 11 a.m.
Billy Napier finds himself in the hot seat after a 5-7 finish last season. This game offers Jeff Lebby a great chance to demonstrate the Bulldogs' toughness after a disappointing loss, and I expect them to display that with a bounce-back win.
Prediction: Mississippi State wins 27-13
Record: 3-1, 1-0 SEC
Mississippi State football closes September with SEC newcomer
Jeff Lebby's first major SEC test comes with a trip to Austin, Texas, to face the Texas Longhorns on September 28th, with a kickoff between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
The Longhorns are strong contenders in the SEC, ranked just behind Georgia as conference favorites according to SEC Preseason Media Poll. With plenty of key players back from last season's playoff team, Texas will pose a formidable challenge. I predict the Bulldogs will struggle against the Longhorns.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 40-10
Record: 3-2, 1-1 SEC
Mississippi State football's first October matchup is with the SEC's premier program
The Bulldogs' SEC challenges continue as they travel to Athens, Georgia, to face the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs on October 12th, with an estimated kickoff between 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Georgia, under Kirby Smart, sets the standard in the SEC. 110 wins and 16 losses, two national championships, two SEC championships, and 59 players drafted into the NFL since 2016. Georgia's style of play will be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome. I predict Georgia will win decisively.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 35-7
Record: 3-3, 1-2 SEC