Mississippi State vs. LSU 2018: Time, TV channel, watch online, odds, preview

Time: 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT

TV: ESPN

Stream: WatchESPN or WatchESPN App

Odds: LSU (-6.5)

The Mississippi State Bulldogs will look to take a bite out of the other Tigers, the LSU Tigers, and bring them back to reality. LSU is expected to the same energy against the Nick Fitzgerald and company in a showdown in Tiger Stadium.

Here are three things you should watch for and consider in this matchup:

Can LSU stop Nick Fitzgerald’s rushing ability?

Nick Fitzgerald is an obvious dual-threat, but lately hasn’t been using the arm. The last time they played, he beat Auburn with just his legs, rushing for 195 yards on 28 carries with two touchdowns. He led the pack in rushing, but will he be able to dominate and run over Dave Aranda’s elite run defense?

LSU defense vs. Mississippi State’s rushing attack

The Tigers have to keep Fitzgerald off the ground and make him throw the ball, as they did against the Georgia Bulldogs. But they also have to limit Kylin Hill to a bare minimum. Last time around, Hill surpassed 100 yards (126 yards to be exact) on 23 carries. If LSU limits the rushing yards, they will win the game

Can Mississippi State’s defense keep the LSU running backs grounded?

Both Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for over 100 yards last week against a really tough UGA defense. If the Bulldogs can keep one or both under the century mark, there’s a chance they could win the game, as well.

Prediction: LSU 26, Mississippi State 19

LSU has the advantage, even though Nick Fitzgerald can be the big benefactor to beat them. If Joe Burrow and the offense play like they did against Georgia, this will be an easy task. Or will it?