The No. 22 University of Kentucky Wildcats (4-2, 1-2 SEC) and their exceptional passing defense host the No. 16 Mississippi State University Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1 SEC) and their powerful aerial offense at Kroger Field on Saturday. The Bulldogs are four-point favorites, and the total is 49.Mississippi State is coming off a runaway 40-17 win over Arkansas at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field last Saturday, their third consecutive victory. Will Rogers threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Dillon Johnson ran 17 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He added two receptions for 49 yards. Jo’quavious Marks caught 11 passes for 80 yards. Kentucky lost 24-14 to South Carolina at Kroger Field last Saturday. Kaiya Sheron was 15 of 27 for 178 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Chris Rodriguez Jr. carried 22 times for 126 yards. Chauncey Magwood had two receptions for 37 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Bulldogs won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 31-17 victory in October. Will Rogers tossed one touchdown for Mississippi State, as Jo’quavious Marks added a rushing TD.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Bulldogs are averaging 38.5 points per game for the season, 22nd in FBS, and they are facing a Wildcats defense that has surrendered 16.3 PPG (18th). Meanwhile, Kentucky has scored 26.3 points a game this season, 87th in the country, and Mississippi State is allowing 21.0 PPG (39th). The Bulldogs rank as one of the country’s top teams in passing yards per game (354.7, 5th), while they are 115th in rushing yards (106.7). They will be matching strength against strength through the air, as the Wildcats are 16th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (174.2). Against the run, Kentucky is 52nd (133.0).Kentucky has been one of the nation’s least productive rushing teams, averaging 92.5 yards per game (123rd), while ranking 43rd in passing yards (263.8). The Bulldogs are allowing 219.5 passing yards (57th) and 138.3 rushing yards per game (60th).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through six games, Will Rogers has thrown for 22 touchdowns (3 INT) and 351.7 yards per game to lead Mississippi State in passing. In two away games this season, he has five TDs (2 INT) and an average of 263.5 yards passing. Dillon Johnson leads the team in rushing with an average of 67.0 yards a game over six games. He’s also contributed to the aerial attack with 33.2 receiving yards a game. He has three touchdowns on the ground. Rara Thomas is the Bulldogs’ leading receiver with 61.3 yards a game and three TDs. Will Levis has 12 passing touchdowns (4 INT) with 281.0 yards per game through five games to lead Kentucky. In three home games this season, he has thrown for nine TDs (3 INT) and an average of 327.7 yards. Kavosiey Smoke has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 53.8 yards a game through five games. He has one touchdown. Tayvion Robinson has been a key target in the Wildcats’ aerial attack. He has three touchdowns and a 65.3 yard per game average through six appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Kentucky (+150)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our college football hub page for all your college football needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
Watch the clock
