LSU vs. Mississippi State odds: Early point spread released on Tigers, Bulldogs

For the first time, we will be getting a taste of SEC football in Week 3. There will still be some nonconference showdowns on the schedule but LSU and Mississippi State will kick things off on Saturday. A huge test for both programs, with Zach Arnett and Brian Kelly both wanting to start off their SEC campaigns with a win.

Despite the game taking place in Starkville, LSU is going to enter as 9.5-point favorites according to Fan Duel. Winning on the road in the SEC is never an easy task. But the oddsmakers are going to be rolling with the Tigers, projecting them to get a big win.

LSU being a favorite is not too big of a surprise. Kelly saw his team open the 2023 season as a top-10 team before taking an opening loss to Florida State. Week 2 was a bit of an easier task, taking down Grambling State in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi State hosted SE Louisiana State to open the year but then welcomed Arizona of the Pac-12 to town. The Bulldogs were able to squeak out a win in overtime, winning 31-24. A great momentum win for Arnett, who wants to put on a good show for the hometown fans.

The goal will be to do the same next week with LSU coming to town.

Both schools now have their premier nonconference game out of the way. It’s time to compete in what should be a difficult SEC West. LSU will have aspirations of winning the division and getting back to Atlanta. Mississippi State will be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, being picked last coming out of SEC Media Days.

It will all start on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium, with the Bayou Bengals being favored. A big test is coming for Mississippi State.

Recent series history favors LSU over Mississippi State

In a series dating back to the 19th century, LSU has had a ton of success against Mississippi State. Nothing has changed recently either, with the Tigers currently winning 26 out of the last 30 matchups. Pure domination over the past three decades.

Kelly started his tenure with LSU with a win against Mississippi State. However, he will be facing a new head coach with Arnett. The late Mike Leach was on the opposing sideline last season in Baton Rouge, with the Tigers earning a 31-16 win.