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The Mississippi State Bulldogs suffered their first defeat last week after Alabama clinched a 25-20 win. Now the Bulldogs want to get back on track and earn a spot in the College Playoffs. On the other end of the spectrum, Vanderbilt wants to make its losing season less embarrassing. With a 3-7 record, the Commodores simply want the latter part of their season to end on a high note.
The biggest offensive threat against Vanderbilt is Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. He has 2,521 total yards and 20 touchdowns this year. Prescott’s Achilles’ heel is turnovers: he has 10 interceptions this year. The Vanderbilt defense needs to be able to read Prescott and block his receivers efficiently and without penalty.
Not only will Vanderbilt be able to keep Mississippi State’s scoring to a minimum, but it has the chance to surprise the Bulldogs’ offense with a pick-six.
At this point, Mississippi State has a complete advantage. Not only is it out for blood after last week’s loss, but also the game will be at home. The Bulldogs simply need to keep up the offensive work and use its defense to hold Vanderbilt back.
During the Commodores’ last game against a weak Florida team, they were 4-for-16 in third-down conversions. Keeping conversions to a minimum shouldn’t be too difficult for the likes of defensive lineman Chris Jones, who has 23 combined tackles this season. It would take a severe lack of focus for Mississippi State to allow Vanderbilt to slip through its defensive line.
If Mississippi State wins this game, it will be the first perfect home season it has had since 1999. Even if it doesn’t play its best, it’s highly unlikely that Vanderbilt will steamroll the Bulldogs at home.
Prediction: Mississippi State 42, Vanderbilt 17
Gabrielle McMillen is an SEC College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @GabbyMcMillen, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google
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