The Mississippi State Bulldogs are probably still shaking their heads, trying to make sense of an unfathomable season-opening loss. Mississippi State gave up a 13-point fourth quarter lead to fall, 21-20, to Southern Alabama in a game where it was a four-touchdown favorite.
Despite the huge upset loss, Mississippi State is favored again in Week 2 of the regular season when they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina won its opener but is expected to be in a rebuilding phase this year.
Watch this regular season Week 1 matchup live on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at 4 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
South Carolina +6.5
Mississippi State -6.5
Over/Under 44.5
Odds Analysis
There is a pretty even spread on bettors picking sides. The Gamecocks are picked to cover the spread by 52 percent of the wagers, but it certainly seems like the line has been chosen appropriately.
The “under” has been the more popular selection as both teams struggled to put up points last week and could have similar issues in this one.
Player to Watch
Mississippi State quarterback Damian Williams might be the key to this one. If he plays well, the Bulldogs could coast to the win.
Williams was 20-of-28 passing for 143 yards and a touchdown last week while adding 12 carries for 93 yards. He needs to improve passing the ball, as that is a low yardage total based on the number of attempts.
The South Carolina defense was solid in last week’s 13-10 win over Vanderbilt, holding Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur to 8-of-22 passing for 73 yards. The Gamecocks gave up 27.5 points per game a season ago in a three-win campaign, so this was a huge improvement.
Williams and the rest of the Mississippi State offense has more talent than South Carolina saw a week ago, so this will be a tougher test.
Key Stat
2. Missed field goals by Mississippi State kicker Westin Graves in last week’s game, including a 28-yarder at the end of regulation that would have won it. Many games can come down to the wire, and the inaccuracy and subsequent mental anguish isn’t a good sign so early in the season.
Graves has plenty of time to bounce back, but he may have the kick bouncing around in the back of his head at least until he successfully make a pressure field goal this year.
Free ATS Pick
South Carolina had low expectations heading into the season, but was able to squeak out a close, low-scoring victory over Vanderbilt to start 1-0 in SEC play. The Gamecocks didn’t do a lot offensively in that one and will need to be more effective to hang with MIssissippi State.
Quarterback Perry Orth was 11-of-19 passing for 152 yards in the contest, while A.J. Turner led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 70 yards.
The Rebels won nine games a season ago but that was on the strength of star quarterback Dak Prescott, who is now starting for the Cowboys. They must prove there is enough talent around without him.
The season-opening loss was an eye-opener, but the Bulldogs should be able to bounce back by squeaking out this victory.
College Football Odds: MIssissippi State 20, South Carolina 17
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