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Posted at 10:15 AM EST.

7:00 PM EST. The last three contests between these two were settled by a margin of five points or less and this might just be State’s best team in years. They're also at home. The assessment of this market is simple, LSU would be spotting double-digits at a neutral site and perhaps two touchdowns had it been scheduled in Death Valley. The question is whether or not LSU’s offense is good enough to build such a large lead and retain it against a foe as formidable as the Bulldogs. For many seasons now the judge, jury, and executioner of the Bayou Bengals has been their defense. The praises of the Tiger defense need not be sung anymore, as its reputation speaks for itself. However, LSU’s offensive operations may be a bit exaggerated given who they achieved their proliferated totals against in its first two games. First, BYU was unprepared for the vortex of the Tiger offense, namely Derrius Guice. LSU as a whole rushed for 296 yards and three rushing touchdowns en route to their 27-0 whitewash of the Cougars. BYU never forced LSU to pass, which has been their Achilles heel of the Tiger attack. Mississippi State knows this and won’t be keen to grant such concessions. The Tigers would follow with a 45-10 thumping of a FCS cupcake when they hosted Chattanooga at home last week.

For Mississippi State, the Bulldogs shut out Charleston Southern in their home opener. Miss State would follow that up with a 57-21 thrashing of Louisiana Tech in a Battle of the Bulldogs in Ruston, Louisiana. The Bulldogs have also shown in their early 2017 resume that they can get it done on both sides of the ball as well. Mississippi State has looked as good as anybody so far against softer competition. Week 1 saw Todd Grantham debut with a defense that held Charleston Southern to two first downs and 33 yards. Then in Week 2 at Louisiana Tech, Grantham unleashed difference-maker Jeffery Simmons, who scored twice from his defensive line spot. Aeris Williams and freshman Kylin Hill are a solid backfield duo to complement star bulldozer Nick Fitzgerald at quarterback. This is a big, physical, balanced, well-coached team that despite a tough road schedule might be capable of challenging the 6-2 SEC record posted by its great 2014 squad. Getting this many points at home with a team this good is the prudent play here.. 

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