The Mississippi State Bulldogs and the South Carolina Gamecocks meet in week 4 SEC college football action from Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night.

Mississippi State Suffers First Loss Vs. LSU

The Mississippi State Bulldogs took their first loss of the season after a 41-14 defeat at the hands of LSU last time out, dropping to 2-1. Will Rogers has thrown for 492 yards and 5 touchdowns on 59.5% passing while Jo’Quavious Marks has a team-high 325 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Lideatrick Griffin has a team-high 13 receptions for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs in receiving. On defense, Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson each have a team-high 31 total tackles and a pair of sacks with Johnson logging a pair of interceptions.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Team Facts

Mississippi State has won each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Mississippi State has covered the spread in six of its last seven games as a road underdog.
Mississippi State has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Each of Mississippi State’s last five September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Gamecocks Lose Heartbreaker To Georgia

The South Carolina Gamecocks will be out to rebound from a 24-14 loss to Georgia last time out, falling to 1-2 on the year as a result. Spencer Rattler has thrown for 954 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 71.3% passing while Dakereon Joyner has rushed for a team-high 75 yards and 3 touchdowns. Xavier Legette has a team-high 22 receptions for 367 yards and a touchdown to lead South Carolina’s receiving group while Eddie Lewis has 7 grabs for 112 yards. On defense, Debo Williams has a team-high 29 total tackles while T.J. Sanders has a pair of sacks. South Carolina’s defense as a whole has combined for 5 sacks and 3 interceptions this season.

South Carolina Gamecocks Team Facts

South Carolina has won each of its last 11 September games as a favorite.
South Carolina has covered the spread in seven of its last eight September games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
South Carolina has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
South Carolina has won the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Five of South Carolina’s last six games at Williams-Brice Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

South Carolina ranked 18th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (8.8).
South Carolina ranked 25th among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (16.5).
Mississippi State ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (2.1).
Mississippi State ranked T9th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (8.5).

Chris’ Pick

I’m leaning towards the under here. I’m still not used to seeing Mississippi State taking such a conservative approach to their offense, it’s definitely a shock compared to the Mike Leach Air Raid offense of past seasons. On the other side, South Carolina’s had it tough offensively early on, and I think this could be a bit of a defensive struggle. I am on the under all day in this one.