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Mississippi State and NC State will collide in an intriguing showdown in Starkville Saturday night. Both teams are 1-0 after taking very different routes to get there. The Bulldogs overcame a huge deficit to knock Louisiana Tech. NC State, meanwhile, walloped South Florida en route an impressive victory. While not much is expected of Mississippi State, NC State figures to be as big a challenge as anyone to the top teams in the ACC. If last week is any indication, they’re well on their way to being a threat in that conference.
How to watch Mississippi State vs. NC State
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Watch Online: ESPN App
Betting Odds
(from DraftKings Sportsbook)
Spread: NC State -1 | Mississippi State +1
Moneyline: NC State -110 | Mississippi State -110
Total: 55.5
These two teams were opposites in Week 1. NC State controlled their game from the jump while Mississippi State had to overcome a raucous effort from their opponent.
Devin Leary posted a strong performance against the Bulls. The NC State quarterback figures to be a big factor again if he can post similar results. His absence last year was a big reason why they fell off a bit. But with him in the lineup now, the possibilities are endless. Look for him to spread the ball out to the likes of Devin Carter, Emeka Emezie, and Thayer Thomas too.
Mississippi State’s pass-centric offense will face an intriguing test again. State doesn’t run the ball too often, as one would expect under Mike Leach. The issue, of course, is that the Wolfpack does a really rock-solid job of defending the pass. Though State runs the air-raid offense, the Wolfpack likely will be out there with five defensive backs often. Given their tenacity, it will be intriguing to see if the Bulldogs meet their match out there.
If this game comes down to coaching, I lean to NC State. I think the Wolfpack are just better coached and probably are the better team. Mississippi State has the potential to score an upset here. However, I’m inclined to believe the Wolfpack will get the job done.