The Mississippi State University Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0 Home) and their explosive passing offense play host to the Bowling Green State University Falcons (1-2, 0-1 Away), one of the nation’s softest aerial defenses, at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 30-point favorites, and the total is 52. Bowling Green is coming off a narrow 34-31 win over Marshall at Doyt L. Perry Stadium last Saturday. Matt McDonald threw for 282 yards and four touchdowns. PaSean Wimberly ran five times for 35 yards. Odieu Hiliare caught four passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Mississippi State lost 31-16 to LSU at Tiger Stadium last Saturday. Will Rogers was 24 of 42 for 214 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Jo’quavious Marks carried nine times for 50 yards and a touchdown. Rara Thomas also scored once. He caught four receptions for 67 yards.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Falcons are averaging 36.0 points per game so far this season, 51st in FBS, and they are facing a Bulldogs defense that has surrendered 23.7 PPG (62nd). Meanwhile, Mississippi State has scored 34.7 points a game this season, 56th in the country, and Bowling Green is allowing 45.0 PPG (128th).The Falcons rank as one of the nation’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (87.3, 119th), while they are 82nd in passing yards (236.0). The Bulldogs are 69th in passing yards allowed per game (217.0) and 56th against the run (125.0).Mississippi State has been one of the nation’s top passing teams, averaging 328.0 passing yards per game (12th), while ranking 117th in rushing yards (92.7). Bowling Green’s defense has been vulnerable through the air, as the Falcons are 130th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (345.7). Against the run, the Falcons are 110th (192.7).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through three games, McDonald has thrown for 10 touchdowns and 230.0 yards per game to lead Bowling Green in passing. In one prior away game this season, he had one TD and 125 yards passing. McDonald also leads the team in rushing with an average of 25.7 yards per game. He has one touchdown on the ground. Hiliare is the Falcons’ leading receiver with 47.7 yards a game and three TDs. Rogers has 10 passing touchdowns (3 INT) with 325.7 yards per game through three games to lead Mississippi State. In one previous home game this season, he threw for five TDs (1 INT) and 450 yards. Dillon Johnson has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 59.0 yards a game through three games. He also has been valuable as a receiver, posting 34.0 yards a game through the air. Thomas has been a key target in the Bulldogs’ passing game. He has two touchdowns and a 70.3 yard per game average through three appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Mississippi State (-10000)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
