One of Saturday’s most intriguing SEC games matches two unbeaten teams when Mississippi State travels to Columbia to face South Carolina.
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4:15 p.m. ET — SEC Network
The Bulldogs improved to 2–0 with an impressive 38–13 road victory over Minnesota, while South Carolina handled Towson 45–9.
Mississippi State’s victory at Minnesota deserves attention. Winning decisively on the road against a Big Ten opponent suggests the Bulldogs may be further along than many expected entering the season. They now receive an opportunity to prove it against SEC competition.
South Carolina has been equally convincing through two games, although Mississippi State represents a substantial increase in difficulty. The Gamecocks will want to use the energy of Williams-Brice Stadium to create early pressure and force the Bulldogs into mistakes.
This matchup could be determined at the line of scrimmage. Mississippi State needs to demonstrate that its offensive success can translate against SEC speed, while South Carolina must avoid allowing the Bulldogs to establish a comfortable rhythm.
Turnovers could be decisive because these teams appear relatively evenly matched. Mississippi State cannot give South Carolina short fields in front of a home crowd, while the Gamecocks need patience if the Bulldogs successfully slow the game down.
Expect a physical contest that remains close into the fourth quarter. Mississippi State’s performance at Minnesota makes the Bulldogs difficult to dismiss, but South Carolina has the advantage of playing at home and should receive a significant boost from the Williams-Brice crowd.
A late defensive stop may be the difference.
Prediction: South Carolina 30, Mississippi State 27
