The Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks meet Saturday in college football action from Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State is sitting at 3-3 overall and had a bye last weekend. The Bulldogs last appeared in a 13-point win over Western Michigan. As for Arkansas, they just finished up a big game versus Alabama. In that one the Razorbacks stayed close but lost by three to drop to 2-5 on the year. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Mississippi State Bulldogs 

The Bulldogs’ record has been erratic so far this year, however there have been a few tough teams in the mix and Mississippi State has performed well against comparable opponents. The three losses so far have come to LSU 41-14, South Carolina 37-30 and Alabama 40-17. Otherwise the Bulldogs have taken out Southeastern LA 48-7, Arizona 31-24 (OT) and Western Michigan 41-28. 

In the matchup versus Western Michigan back on October 7, the Bulldogs scored points in every quarter (including double-digits in three of four). Quarterback Will Rogers led the charge on 189 yards and three scores, while Seth Davis took the top rushing spot with 65 yards and a TD on 10 carries. Freddie Roberson added five catches for 68 yards and a score to pace the receivers. 

Mississippi State Bulldogs Team Facts

• Mississippi State has won eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Mississippi State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine October games as an underdog.
• Mississippi State has lost the first half in each of its last five games against conference opponents.
• Each of Mississippi State’s last four games have gone OVER the total points line.

Arkansas Razorbacks 

Over on the Razorbacks’ side, they’ve had to contend with some tricky opponents so far this year as well. Arkansas started out great with wins over Western Carolina 56-13 and Kent State 28-6. After that came a losing streak to BYU 38-31, LSU 34-31, Texas A&M 34-22 and Ole Miss 27-20, however. Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson threw for 250 yards, two scores and two picks in the loss to the Rebels. 

Back on Saturday versus Alabama, the Razorbacks faced a 21-6 deficit at halftime. Arkansas outscored the Tide 15-3 in the second however, resulting in a 24-21 loss. Jefferson managed 150 yards and two scores this time, while AJ Green led the rush on 44 yards. Andrew Armstrong posted 48 yards on four catches as well. 

Arkansas Razorbacks Team Facts

• Arkansas has lost each of its last five games.
• The underdog has covered the spread in each of Arkansas’ last five games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
• Arkansas has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against conference opponents at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
• Arkansas has lost the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Nine of Arkansas’ last 10 games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with the Razorbacks in this one. All things considered, Arkansas played pretty well versus Alabama despite a tepid 250 total yards (150 passing), 13 first downs and 4-of-14 on third-down tries. The Razorbacks took good care of the football with zero turnovers, 30:11 in time of possession and just two penalties. Not too shabby of an effort against a stellar opponent. Arkansas has given up 24 or more points in five straight games, but to be fair they’ve played some tough squads in that time. 

As for Mississippi State, they’ll probably look solid here after the extra week of rest and preparation. The Bulldogs put up a decent effort in their last outing versus Western Michigan, compiling 440 yards (246 passing) and 25 first downs on the way to the win. Mississippi State has scored 30 or more points in four of their six games so far but I don’t think they’ll be able to hang that many on the Arkansas defense. Should be a fun game to watch, though.