Mississippi State’s game is getting better. Now that it has not played an FBS team yet and can not go to a bowl game, it should finally get to have some fun.
The passing attack has gotten better, and there are signs of what might come under head coach Jeff Lebby. The defense is still terrible. It is now time to open it.
UMass beat both of the FCS teams on its schedule: Central Connecticut State in September and Wagner last week. Now it gets paid well to come to Starkville.
It still has to go to Georgia in a few weeks, but first it can try something crazy against a Bulldog team that is having a bad season.
Mississippi State vs UMass Preview
Mississippi State vs UMass How to Watch
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Game Time: 4:15 pm ET
Venue: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS
How to Watch: SEC Network
Mississippi State (1-7), UMass (2-9)
Why UMass Will Win
They need to start running right away.
They only have four rushing touchdowns against FBS teams, but they did do a little better against Missouri. On average, they get 3.6 yards per carry. The Mississippi State run defense needs to be put to the test.
Arkansas ran for 9.7 yards per carry last week against a Georgia defense that gives up 5.5 yards per carry and has scored more than one touchdown in each of the last seven games.
The UMass ground game should be fine, the offense does not have a turnover issue, and..
Why Mississippi State Will Win
If Mississippi State wants to pass, it should do what it wants.
In his last three games, freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. has thrown five touchdowns and almost 300 yards per game. Those games were against Georgia, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.
Being around the UMass defense without a pass rush will give him a lot of time to get used to it. When you add in the problems on defense, too many penalties, and too many third downs, and…
Mississippi State vs UMass: Who Will Win
MS State is really getting better, even though it may not look like it. The Minutemen will score a few points, but the offense will quickly get going with passes and then coast.
The Bulldogs have not won a game since August, and they will enjoy it for all four quarters.
Mississippi State vs UMass Prediction, Betting Lines
Mississippi State 40, UMass 17
Line: Mississippi State -18, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Mississippi State vs UMass Must See Rating: 2
