Mississippi State football vs. Southeastern Louisiana: Score prediction, scouting report
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football opens its season Saturday against FCS foe Southeastern Louisiana, but even with four straight Power Five matchups looming, first-year coach Zach Arnett isn’t willing to take any chances in Week 1.
“We’re facing a very quality opponent,” Arnett said Monday. “It’s going to be a challenge for us. Coach (Frank) Scelfo and his staff have done a tremendous job.”
The Lions are coming off a Southland Conference title and are ranked No. 15 in the FCS coaches poll. While Mississippi State is expected to win big, as it has done so in recent years against FCS opponents, defensive coordinator Matt Brock said it’s important for veteran players to take the matchup seriously in hopes of sending a message to their younger teammates.
“You can’t take any opponent lightly or take them for granted,” sixth-year linebacker Jett Johnson said Monday. “This is a Division I team with some really good players. You’ve got to take it a game at a time. This is a great team, and they’ll makes plays and punch you in the mouth if you don’t focus on them and give them your undivided attention.”
Mississippi State football offense vs. SELA defense
All eyes will be on MSU’s offense and how it looks in Kevin Barbay’s first game as offensive coordinator. The Bulldogs are switching from Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense to a more balanced attack, and there have been questions surrounding how smooth the transition will be.
Mississippi State ranked eighth in the SEC with 31.6 points per game last season. Southeastern Louisiana allowed 26 points per game, including 42 in a loss at FBS foe Florida Atlantic.
It’s likely the Bulldogs jump out to an early lead and Barbay doesn’t open his full playbook. Regardless, there will be more designed runs than in recent years.
Mississippi State football defense vs. SELA offense
MSU should control the line of scrimmage. However, the Lions will have chances to test the Bulldogs’ secondary.
Scelfo hasn’t named a starting quarterback, but both options have had success. Zachary Clement transferred to SELA in the offseason from Northwestern State, where was a second-team all-conference player. Eli Sawyer returns for the Lions after appearing in 10 games last year.
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Special teams
With punter Keelan Crimmins and kicker Kyle Ferrie, Mississippi State has two freshmen starting in key spots. Crimmins shouldn’t get much work in Week 1, but Ferrie should.
With UCLA transfer Nick Barr-Mira looming, Ferrie has plenty to play for early on.
Prediction
Mississippi State 55, SELA 6: It’s an SEC schools vs. an FCS foe. Yes, Arnett is correct in saying it’s a quality FCS team. But the Bulldogs should have no problem.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State score prediction vs SLU: College football Week 1
