The SE Louisiana Lions and Mississippi State Bulldogs meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Davis Wade Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

SE Louisiana Lions Betting Preview

The SE Louisiana Lions are coming off a 9-4 season and have a chance to set the tone for this season here. SE Louisiana enters a sixth year under coach Frank Scelfo, and he’s won 8 or more games in 3 of his last 4 seasons. Eli Sawyer returns at quarterback after 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns on 62.3 percent completion percentage. SE Louisiana has to find production in the backfield, but Maurice Massey is a returning wide receiver who had 40 catches and 4 touchdowns last season. Defensively, Donte’ Daniels returns after 87 tackles, Anthony Britton Jr. had 1.5 sacks and Herman Christopher had 2 interceptions. The SE Louisiana Lions have a lot of production to replace on both sides of the ball, but they have a proven head coach and a returning quarterback. SE Louisiana won’t be a pushover this season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are coming off a 9-win season and have made a bowl game in 13 straight years. Zach Arnett is now the full-time head coach after the passing of Mike Leach, and Kevin Barbay and Matt Brock are first time coordinators. Will Rogers is still the QB at Miss State, a senior who has over 10,000 career passing yards and 82 touchdowns. Jo’Quavious Marks returns at running back after almost 600 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, while Lideatrick Griffin and Jaden Walley are a returning receiving duo that combined for 800 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Jett Johnson returns after leading Mississippi State with 115 tackles, Nathaniel Watson had 6 sacks and Decamerion Richardson had 3 pass deflections. Mississippi State has new coaches and has players to replace on both sides of the ball. However, Miss State has leaders on defense and a proven, successful quarterback who can will his team to victories. Rogers is one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, so seeing the Bulldogs at +10000 to win the conference is a bit strange. I get being in the SEC West, but the Bulldogs have the ability to surprise some people this season. 

Randy’s Pick

SE Louisiana has stability at head coach, quarterback and has enough returning production on defense to be respectable this season. Mississippi State obviously has a talent advantage and a proven quarterback, but a lot of guys left from last year and there’s a new coaching staff in place. Mississippi State may be a bit sluggish at times while they adjust to so many changes. The SE Louisiana Lions could do just enough to stay within the number. Give me the points.