National Media Predictions for Kentucky vs. Mississippi State

KSR scoured the internet in search of predictions from the national media for tomorrow night’s Top 25 showdown between Kentucky and Mississippi State at Kroger Field. The CBS Sportsline computer model believes in the Big Blue, but most people are picking the Bulldogs to triumphantly leave Lexington. Take a look for yourself.

The Athletic

Bruce Feldman believes the Kentucky defense is the difference-maker in a 28-24 win. Stewart Mandel agrees, predicting a 26-20 win for the Wildcats.

Mike Leach’s 5-1 Bulldogs have looked great the past three weeks against Bowling Green, Texas A&M and Arkansas, though it should be noted that all three wins were in Starkville. My hunch is State is due for a clunker, and on the road at night with Will Levis likely returning for the Wildcats would seemingly be the spot for it.

The rest of The Athletic staff is split in its predictions for Mississippi State -7.

CBS Sports: Barrett Sallee

The CBS Sports prognosticator believes the team with the superior rushing attack will win. That’s why he believes “the game will get sideways in the second half” as Mississippi State runs away with a victory at Kroger Field. He’s got the Bulldogs -7.

Wildcats quarterback Will Levis missed last weekend’s loss to South Carolina, and the Kentucky running game has been awful all season. Those are two massive issues going up against a Bulldogs offense that has been one of the most potent and consistent in the conference. This game will get sideways in the second half, and Mississippi State will keep momentum going. 

FanDuel: Mississippi State

One content creator for the sportsbook stands alone in belief that either team can surpass 30 points. His predictions calling for a 3-point Bulldog win are not as intriguing as the following betting trends for both teams.

• Mississippi State is 5-1 straight up in their last 6 games.
• Mississippi State is 9-3-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 13 games.
• The total has hit the Over in 8 of MSST’s last 12 games.
• Kentucky is 8-2 SU in their last 10 games.
• Kentucky is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
• Kentucky is 11-2 SU in their last 13 home games.

Athlon Sports: Mississippi State

Home-field advantage looms large for Kentucky, with the home team winning each of the last six meetings in this series. Will Levis also is expected to be back this week, which should provide the offense with a nice boost. However, he may be limited to some degree, and that also goes for two of his top pass catchers. Throw in a leaky offensive line and a run game that has yet to gain much traction, and the Wildcats’ chances for a big night on offense appear bleak.

On the other side of the football, Kentucky will have its hands full against a red-hot Will Rogers and a much-improved Mississippi State ground attack. Not to mention the fact that Mississippi State is plus-four in turnover margin, while the Wildcats are minus-three. Momentum also favors the Bulldogs, who should manage to sneak out of Kroger Field with the win.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Kentucky 21

Saturday Down South: Mississippi State

Folks have fallen in love with Mississippi State after back-to-back victories over back-up quarterbacks.

Mark Stoops’ squad is desperate to prove they aren’t a pushover. Kentucky’s dreams of winning the SEC are over, but a chance has presented itself for the Wildcats to tell the country they aren’t going out without at least a semblance of a fight. This will be a close one.

But ultimately, Will Rogers and the Bulldogs offense will be too much to stop.

Prediction: Mississippi State 35, Kentucky 27

Bleacher Report: Mississippi State

I don’t think this prognosticator even knows Will Levis did not play last week, or who Kentucky played.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Kentucky 23