UL Monroe at Mississippi State — Sept. 5
Mississippi State should be favored comfortably, although UL Monroe is familiar with facing major-conference opponents and will arrive in Starkville with little to lose. The Bulldogs need to establish control at the line of scrimmage and avoid allowing the Warhawks to remain close through turnovers or special-teams mistakes. Mississippi State should have success running the football, creating opportunities for play-action and downfield passes. Defensively, the Bulldogs’ speed should make sustained UL Monroe drives difficult. The Warhawks may produce a few scoring opportunities, but Mississippi State’s overall depth should allow the Bulldogs to steadily expand their advantage as the game progresses.
Prediction: Mississippi State 37, UL Monroe 13
