A thrilling SEC West clash awaits as the 14th ranked LSU Tigers (1-1) face off against the undefeated Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-0) in Mississippi. For Tennessee football fans, this presents a promising betting opportunity.

When: September 16, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET

Where: Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi

Watch: ESPN

LSU Tigers Preview

The Tigers are in a mood after they opened the season with a loss to the Florida State Seminoles. Six days later, they defeated the Grambling Tigers 72-10. The game was close if you count the first quarter, which ended 14-10 in favor of the Tigers.

They are averaging 540.5 total yards each game, with 330 coming from passes. On the defensive end, they allow 407 total yards, which 258 come from pass plays. This is a solid ratio, but they will need to continue pressuring teams.

At their current rate, they are averaging 48 points a game and giving up 27.5. These averages will calm down once they have a few games under their belt, as they have experienced two blowouts on both ends of the scoring spectrum.

The Tigers finished second in the SEC West last year with a 10-4 record. Most teams would be happy with that, but in the SEC, you need to perform better if you want a shot at the title. They have to be perfect the rest of the year or otherwise risk losing out on that opportunity.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview

The Bulldogs are coming off of an excellent 31-24 overtime victory against the Arizona Wildcats. They forced an impressive five turnovers to keep this game in check and eventually won.

Their game averages include a robust 416 total yards per match, a notable 221.5 of which are earned through rushing. Defensively, they concede 319.5 total yards, with 232.5 stemming from pass plays. While this demonstrates a strong balance, maintaining consistent pressure on opponents will be essential.

So far, they are putting up 39.5 points a game and taking on 15.5. While this seems to be a smothering defense, they will have their biggest test yet against the Tigers.

The Bulldogs were not far behind the Tigers in the division last year, with a record at 9-4. They are on a good pace to do better, but must take care of opportunities like this one.

Betting Odds

Wanting to place college football bets in Tennessee? ZenSports’ sportsbook has the odds currently placed for this matchup, with the Tigers as slight favorites to win. Market trends show a 67.5 percent likelihood for that to happen.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Spread: +9 (-110)

LSU Tigers

Spread: -9 (-110)

These two teams competed last year around the same time, with the Tigers taking a 31-16 victory. They went on to score 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure their fate. A lot of returning players are on both sides, which should offer another thrilling encounter.

Photo Credit: © SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK