FWtCT Staff Predictions for Mississippi State Football Versus Kansas State

No. 23 Mississippi State football continues its three-game homestand with an 11 a.m. CT matchup with Kansas State Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.

The Bulldogs (2-0) are coming off a 38-15 win over Southern Miss, while the Wildcats (2-0) shutout Bowling Green 52-0 last Saturday.

The Bulldogs are averaging 38 points per game and 441.5 yards of total offense, which includes an average of 206 passing yards and 235.5 rushing yards per game. Senior quarterback Tommy Stevens has passed for 341 yards and four touchdowns so far this year. He has also rushed for one touchdown. Though he left last week with an injury, there is reason to be optimistic this week. Stevens says he feels good.

Junior running back Kylin Hill leads the Southeastern Conference and Power 5 conferences and is second in the FBS in rushing yards with 320.

Kansas State is a run-happy team, rushing for 694 games in its first two games. Senior running back James Gilbert leads the Wildcats with 218 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

This will be the fourth meeting between the teams. The Bulldogs won 31-10 last year. Prior to that, MSU and Kansas State had met just twice. State won 21-16 in the first meeting in 1974 in Starkville and then 24-21 in 1977 in Manhattan. MSU’s victory against the Wildcats last year was its first road win against a Power 5, non-SEC opponent since 1995.

Now, let’s get into the FWtCT staff picks for this Week 3 matchup.

Collin Wilmes: This will be a close one and the first real test for Mississippi State. The big question will obviously be whether or not Stevens plays. I think State is in good hands with Hill being so great thus far in the season. Final score: Mississippi State wins 38-28.

Reece Monroe: Kansas State comes into Starkville with a top 10 defense, but the Mississippi State offense will keep rolling. MSU wins comfortably 45-18. I’m excited to see if Isaiah Zuber will have his breakout game of the season against his former team.

Landon Young: This week has the potential to be trouble. Mississippi State gives up some rushing yards but finds a way to pull this one out offensively.

William Mitchell: I believe K-State will really test our run defense and will attempt to sneak in a couple of deep passes for a score. I believe State will prove to be too much down the stretch, even though I do think K-State will be in the lead at half.

Gil Maneclang: Kansas State gets its first real test of the year when they visit the Bulldogs in Starkville. The Mississippi State offense gets it going early and often, accounting for five touchdowns and three made field goals. Kylin Hill has a career day and Tommy Touchdown has consistent throws downfield that test the Kansas State secondary. Wildcat QB Skylar Thompson makes enough plays to keep it somewhat respectable but two interceptions damper a decent performance. Final score: Mississippi State wins 44-24.

Andrew Robert: While Kansas State has the speed on offense, Mississippi State’s defense will be prove to be too much. Expect the Bulldogs secondary to have a big day and force multiple turnovers. Offensively, Isaiah Zuber will be up against his former team. Look for him to be more of a factor. Final score: Mississippi State wins 35-20.

You can watch the game on ESPN.