One-Loss Season: Mississippi State

Fresh off the bye week, it's time for the second half of the season. On deck is an interesting Mississippi State team that looks much improved from last year. Other than the whopping that LSU put on them in Game One, the Bulldogs have shown to be that one can't afford to overlook, just ask Auburn. However, with a rested and recharged West Virginia team, I don't think they have the 'bite' to hang with our beloved 'Eers. I look for the passing game and Slaton to play big roles in a comfortable win for West Virignia.

WVU (-24) 31
Mississippi State 10

Florida -6.5 @ Kentucky
South Carolina -14 vs. Vanderbilt
Michigan @ Illinois OVER 49.5
East Carolina -6 vs. NC State
Auburn +10 @ LSU

We play a fast Mississippi State defense this weekend that has given a few teams in the SEC some trouble. Does that spell doom for a Mountaineer BCS birth? HELL NO!

They may be fast but CRR will call one hell of a game this Saturday. He will spread the ball around to his playmakers, and continue to establish a vertical passing game. This will open holes in running game we should rush for over 300 yards again.

Do not worry about the Bulldog’s offensive attack. Starting a Freshman QB, against this ball-hawking defense, at a raucous Mountaineer Field -- means an easy W.

WVU (-24) 48
Mississippi State 10

Louisville -3 @ UConn
Wake Forest -3 @ Navy
Michigan State +18.5 @ Ohio State
East Carolina -6 vs. NC State
Michigan -1 @ Illinois

This is not your older brother’s Mississippi State squad. Faster and better, this team is actually showing improvement in the SEC. A big win against Auburn – at Auburn – and a competitive effort last week versus Tennessee are just two examples of that.

Sitting at 3-2 and with a very good schedule, Mississippi State is not a puff-cake victory, if we can get one. We should be able to control the game throughout, but this will still be a tough game. My prediction? We win, but Mississippi State covers.

WVU (-24) 31
Mississippi State 10

UConn +2.5 vs. Louisville
Pitt +10.5 vs. Cincinnati
Notre Dame +17 @ USC
Michigan -1 @ Illinois
Missouri -3 vs. Texas Tech