Predicting the back-half of Mississippi State football's 2024 schedule
With football season almost here, I'm making my predictions for Mississippi State football's 2024 schedule. Last week, I broke down the Bulldogs' first six games of the year, and I had State finishing that stretch with a 3-3 record. But what's in store for their final six games?
The back-half of the Bulldogs' schedule is somewhat of a mixed bag. They have very winnable games against Arkansas and UMass. However, State will be heavy-underdogs in their other four matchups during the back stretch. Getting wins in any of those will be tough.
So how do I see it playing out?
Mississippi State seeks revenge against a familiar opponent
Mississippi State football returns for a home game against Texas A&M on October 19th, with a kickoff between 2:30 and 7:00 p.m.
For the Aggies, Mike Elko is the new head coach. At Duke, Elko’s coaching record was 16 wins and 9 losses. He quickly utilized the transfer portal to his advantage. Texas A&M is a wildcard team this season and could cause problems for some opponents.
By this game, the Aggies' defense will be well-known in college football. Players like DJ Hicks, Shemar Turner, Nic Scourton, Dezz Ricks, and Will Lee III will be key contributors. On offense, the improved offensive line will give Conner Weigman more time in the pocket, which will challenge the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 31-21
Record: 3-4, 1-3 SEC
Mississippi State closes out October against a struggling SEC opponent
Mississippi State continues their home stretch as Arkansas comes into Starkville on October 26th, with a kickoff between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
This will be Sam Pittman’s last season as the head coach of the Razorbacks. Last year, they finished with a 4-8 record, placing last in the SEC East. Key players like KJ Jefferson, Chris Paul Jr., and Raheim Sanders transferred. The program will likely start fresh for the 2025 season.
Mississippi State will see an opportunity against the struggling Razorbacks. I predict Blake Shapen will excel in the passing game. Once the first half is over, the second- and third-string players will get their chance. The Bulldogs will defeat Arkansas.
Prediction: Mississippi State wins 30-7
Record: 4-4, 2-3 SEC
Mississippi State opens November with final non-conference game
Mississippi State will host UMass on November 2nd, with a kickoff time of 3:15 p.m.
The Bulldogs will dominate UMass, who will not match up well against them. Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, a key player for UMass, left the team via the transfer portal. Taisun Phommachanh has not shown the ability to compete against top-quality opponents. Mississippi State will handle UMass easily.
Prediction: Mississippi State wins 28-10
Record: 5-4, 2-3 SEC
Mississippi State travels east to face a potential SEC champion
Mississippi State will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 9th to face Tennessee.
Tennessee is on the rise, finishing with 9 wins and 4 losses last season. Former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava will start as quarterback. He showed potential in last year's bowl game, throwing for 151 yards and rushing for 27 yards. The additions of Holden Staes, Chris Brazzell II, Lance Heard, and Jermod Mims will strengthen the team.
Mississippi State will struggle against the Volunteers. Iamaleava’s ability to escape the pocket and extend plays will be a challenge. Mississippi State will fight in the first quarter, but Tennessee will pull away.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 35-14
Record: 5-5, 2-4 SEC
Mississippi State hosts playoff-contender in Week 11
Mississippi State will head home to host Missouri on November 23rd, with a potential 2:30–3:30 p.m. kickoff.
The Tigers are building something special under Eli Drinkwitz. Last year, Mizzou finished with 11 wins and 2 losses. The duo of Brady Cook and Luther Burden III will be a challenge for opposing defenses. Mizzou has a strong chance of playing in the SEC Championship.
Mizzou will continue their dominant stretch. Brady Cook will showcase his skills, and the Bulldogs will face questions that need addressing. Mizzou will be too much for Mississippi State to handle.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 34-17
Record: 5-6, 2-5 SEC
Mississippi State ends the season in the Egg Bowl
The last game of the season for the Bulldogs will be the Egg Bowl in Oxford, Mississippi, on November 29th at 2:30 p.m.
The Rebels will be a fan favorite for several reasons. First, their offense will improve from last season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, on the 2024 Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List, returns with a chip on his shoulder. Last year, Dart completed 233 of 358 passes for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Second, the success of the transfer portal this offseason, ranking No. 1 in college football, speaks to Lane Kiffin’s plans. Lastly, their schedule favors their chances of making an appearance in the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff. They only need to worry about Georgia. The rest are manageable or close games.
The Egg Bowl brings a unique flair when Hail State and Hotty Toddy face off. It's a primetime spectacle. But right now, the Rebels have the upper-hand, and Ole Miss will win against Mississippi State for the second-straight year. Lane Kiffin will have his team ready, especially if an SEC Championship spot is at stake.
Prediction: Mississippi State loses 40-21
Final Record: 5-7, 2-6 SEC