Kentucky (5-1) @ Mississippi State (4-2)
Mississippi State got back in the win column with a 35-10 victory over BYU last week and will look to keep their good fortune rolling as they welcome the Kentucky WIldcats to Starkville for this week’s homecoming matchup. MSU has lost their previous two SEC matchups to Georgia and Auburn. Kentucky’s only loss of the season came in a close call with the Florida Gators. Something’s got to give in this one as Kentucky’s rush defense is ranked 3rd in the SEC while the Bulldogs have the third-ranked rushing attack in the conference. MSU QB Nick Fitzgerald has thrown multiple interceptions in three straight games, so the Bulldog rushing attack may be able to take some pressure of off Fitzgerald and keep the Kentucky defense on their heels. Despite having an inferior record, the Bulldogs are an 11.5 point favorite in this matchup.
Kick off in Starkville is slated for 1:00 p.m.
#24 LSU (5-2) @ Ole Miss (3-3)
Ole Miss welcomes their former head coach Ed Orgeron back to Oxford as the Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. Ole Miss took care of Vanderbilt last weekend, with their offense exploding for 57 points. Emotions will be running high after Orgeron gave the Rebels some bulletin board material earlier in the week saying he was wishing he was at LSU while coaching the Rebels. Ole Miss’ defense showed signs of life last weekend, sacking the Vandy QB 7 times and forcing two turnovers. The Rebel defense still ranks 112th in the county in run defense, and LSU’s Derrius Guice can make Ole Miss defenders pay if they don’t wrap him up. LSU pulled an upset over Auburn last week, and come into this game as 7 point favorite over the underdog Rebels.
Kick off in Oxford is set for 6:15 p.m.
Southern Miss (4-2) @ Louisiana Tech (3-3)
Southern Miss blanked the winless UTEP Minors last week and will try to make it three wins in a row as they hit the road to take on Louisiana Tech. Keon Howard is 2-0 filling in at QB for an injured Kwadra Griggs, but it has not yet been announced who will line up under center in this one. RB Ito Smith has seven rushing touchdowns on the year and has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games. Howard threw multiple interceptions last week, and the Louisiana Tech defense may key on Smith to force Howard into some obvious passing situations. Southern Miss comes into Saturday’s game as a 2.5 point underdog on the road. This marks the Golden Eagles’ third straight conference matchup, and they are currently 2nd in the West of Conference-USA.
Kick-off at Louisiana Tech is set for 6:15 p.m.
