Two Unbeaten Teams Meet
No. 24 Mississippi State and No. 19 Missouri meet Saturday night in Starkville with both teams entering the matchup at 3-0.
For Mississippi State, this is the Bulldogs’ first SEC home game of the season after opening conference play with a 41-34 comeback victory over South Carolina. Missouri is playing its first SEC game of the season after opening the year with three straight wins.
Mississippi State has already shown it can win in difficult environments. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 62-13 win over ULM before beating Minnesota 38-13 on the road and then rallying from a 16-point deficit against South Carolina.
Kamario Taylor Leads the Bulldogs
Quarterback Kamario Taylor has been one of the biggest reasons for Mississippi State’s hot start.
Taylor has thrown for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns with only one interception through three games, while also adding 178 rushing yards. Overall, he has accounted for 1,010 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs are averaging 47 points and 544.7 total yards per game, ranking second nationally in total offense. Running back Da’Marion Bothwell has also been productive, rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
Missouri Brings an Undefeated Record
Missouri has quietly put together another strong start.
The Tigers are 3-0 after defeating Troy 27-17 last week. Quarterback Austin Simmons has thrown for 635 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception, while running back Jamal Roberts has rushed for 300 yards and three scores.
The Missouri defense could be the biggest challenge Mississippi State has faced so far. The Tigers are allowing just 258.7 total yards per game and 17.3 points per game, while giving up only 87.7 rushing yards per contest.
The Battle That Could Decide It
The matchup between Mississippi State’s explosive offense and Missouri’s strong defense could determine the game.
Mississippi State has scored 141 points through three games, but Missouri has yet to allow more than 17 points in a game this season. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ defense has allowed only four offensive touchdowns through three games.
Mississippi State will also have the home-field advantage, with the Bulldogs planning a special white-out atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium. The school is even attempting to set a world record for the most cowbells ringing simultaneously during the game.
Game Information
The game kicks off at 7:45 p.m. ET Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville and will air on the SEC Network.
With two ranked, undefeated SEC teams meeting this early in the season, there is plenty at stake. Mississippi State is looking to build on its comeback win over South Carolina, while Missouri is trying to open conference play with a statement victory on the road.
