Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State vs Arizona State Prediction: Bulldogs Will Force Sun Devil Mistakes

Mississippi State faces Arizona State in a crucial game for both programs. Who will win? 

Jacob Bain

Mississippi State Bulldogs fans cheer during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. The Bulldogs may not be at home, but there could still be plenty to celebrate late Saturday night.
Mississippi State Bulldogs fans cheer during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. The Bulldogs may not be at home, but there could still be plenty to celebrate late Saturday night. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State will hit the road to face Arizona State for its first road test of the year. Jeff Lebby got his head coaching career underway last week against Eastern Kentucky in a dominant 56-7 win. 

Mississippi State's offense looked crisp, but there were still some areas for improvement, including the run game. The Arizona State defense looked solid last week in their 48-7 win over Wyoming, which is better than expected for many Bulldog fans. 

However, Mississippi State still has superior talent and should get a win. The offense will need to play well, and I believe it will. 

Early on, Lebby will look to run heavily to give the offensive line some confidence after an inconsistent week one, which will open up the shot plays down the field. 

The defense has been the biggest concern for Mississippi State fans the entire offseason, with first-time coordinator Coleman Hutzler and an inexperienced roster. The unit played solid last week. They showed good effort and were fundamentally sound, but like the offense, there were concerns. 

Mississippi State did not stop the run as well as they would have liked and did not generate much of a pass rush. Hutzler must create pressure and be timely with his rotations, such as bringing in Donterry Russell in passing situations. 

This game will be determined in the second half, as Mississippi State and Arizona State offenses will dominate in the first half. However, State will force a pair of turnovers in the second half, including a Kelley Jones interception, and the MSU offensive line will take over.

Final Score Prediction

Mississippi State: 38
Arizona State: 27

Read More:

Mississippi State's Offensive Line Needs to Perform Better Against Arizona State

How Mississippi State vs. Arizona State Will Impact the Jeff Lebby Era

Will Mississippi State's Offense Be Slowed Down By Arizona State Students?

Mississippi State (Probably) Needs a Win Over Arizona State to Reach a Bowl Game

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Jacob Bain
JACOB BAIN

Jacob Bain first joined Cowbell Corner as an intern, and was promoted to lead day-to-day coverage in Starkville of Mississippi State sports in 2023. His primary beats include football, baseball and basketball. He's originally from Fulton, Miss.

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