LSU vs. Mississippi State game preview, prediction

What to watch for as LSU and Mississippi State open up the SEC schedule in this Week 3 college football game

This weekend finds a pair of SEC West rivals in a clash among the cowbells to kick off the conference opener as No. 14 ranked LSU goes on the road to an undefeated Mississippi State in college football's Week 3 action on Saturday.

LSU rebounded from a second-half collapse against Florida State in the opener with a 72-10 thrashing over Grambling State in which the Tigers scored touchdowns on 10 of their first 11 possessions, racking up 627 well-balanced yards on offense.

Speaking of balance, first-year Bulldogs coach Zach Arnett has brought plenty to this team, scrapping the Air Raid system implemented by his predecessor, the late Mike Leach, and opting for a more physical approach that wants to gain yards on the ground and wear you out.

What do you need to know about the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as LSU and Mississippi State square off, along with our Week 3 game predictions.

LSU vs. Mississippi State prediction, preview

LSU and Mississippi State highlight college football's Week 3 action / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 16
Time: 11 a.m. Central
TV: ESPN network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

LSU vs. Mississippi State odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: LSU -9.5
Total: 54.5 (O -111, U -111)
ML: LSU -400 | MSU +280
FPI pick: LSU | 67.4% (Details)

What to watch for

LSU vs. MSU predictions / USA Today Images

1. Bulldogs can run the ball. Watch the battle between LSU's physical front seven and Mississippi State back Jo'Quavious Marks, who is one catch away from tying a school record and also ranking 12th in the SEC all time in receptions, and who leads all conference backs with 250 yards and three touchdowns in 2 games, and is coming off the first 100-yard game of his career. He can grind out needed yards on the inside and slice through coverages on catches out of the backfield to move the chains.

2. But don't forget Will Rogers. Just because the Bulldogs have changed the playbook doesn't mean the quarterback isn't still integral. Rogers has 35 straight starts and is 5th in the SEC in completion success. He's quick on his feet, makes fast decisions, and distributes the ball confidently, especially to Lideatrick Griffin and Marks, who are both top-five in the SEC in yards after the catch. Working more from play-action with a credible running threat, Rogers is finding more throwing lanes in the middle third of the field and letting his receivers do the rest, a battle to watch against LSU's secondary tacklers.

3. Bringing the heat. Playing in the Air Raid more or less since high school, Rogers is used to getting the ball out quickly and not giving edge rushers the time to disorient him in the pocket, resulting in his being one of the least blitzed passers in college football. Now as the game slows down a little, LSU could find an advantage with the likes of Harold Perkins, Mekhi Wingo, and Maason Smith in pursuit to throw Rogers out of his rhythm and rush his timing. Conversely, the Bulldogs are gaining confidence on D, forcing five takeaways against Arizona and have looked very solid against the run so far.

LSU vs. Mississippi State prediction

Don't expect the Bulldogs to test the perimeter too often when putting the ball in the air. Griffin and Marks are the two primary targets, but they're working from the slot and backfield, respectively. That should help LSU's second-level defenders tighten things up in the middle of the field and limit any consistent deep passing threat.

LSU has the pieces to throw at the Bulldogs' defense, but watch how well the right side of the line protects Jayden Daniels from the rush, in particular against linebacker Jett Johnson, one of the conference's premier defenders. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week could find some holes against the strong side protection as the game wears on.

College Football HQ picks...

• LSU wins 32-25
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the over

Related: LSU vs. Mississippi State score prediction by college football computer model

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