Mississippi State is looking pretty good at 2-0 and should be 3-0 after today.
The No. 16-ranked Bulldogs are a 31-point favorite at home against Louisiana Lafayette.
Even though the passing attack isn’t where it should be, the Bulldog offense has still been impressive, especially when it comes to generating big plays.
Two games into 2018, the Bulldogs have nine plays of 30-plus yards, fifth in FBS. Big plays often equal easy scores. And while five came in a blowout of Stephen F. Austin, another four came in Saturday’s remarkably easy 31-10 win at Kansas State.
In Manhattan, running back Kylin Hill had gains of 52, 47, 28, 18, 16, and 16 on his way to 211 rushing yards, and in quarterback Nick Fitzgerald’s first game of the season (he was suspended for the opener), he had 19 carries for 159 yards.
MSU managed just 20 plays of 30-plus yards last year (98th).
I look for a few more 30-plus yard plays tonight against Louisiana Lafayette, and I am sure State fans are hoping some of those come through the air. The Bulldogs have 94 points in two games and have completed only 26 of 61 passes.
Fitzgerald, who struggled with his accuracy, needs to have a crisp, efficient outing vs. the Ragin Cajuns to gain a little momentum heading into SEC play next week. His numbers will have to improve a good bit for the Bulldogs to remain undefeated the next few weeks.
While on the subject of undefeated, there are 54 teams left in FBS without a loss. This number will drop by at least 11 today since the college football slate gives us 11 matchups of unbeaten teams.
One of the two features two teams Miss. State has to play later this season — LSU and Auburn.
Ed Orgeron got his first big win at LSU last year against Auburn in Baton Rouge when LSU scored the final 20 points for a 27-23 upset victory.
Auburn, a 10-point favorite, has won 13 straight games in Jordan-Hare Stadium, the last eight of them by double digits. It has won the last five at home against ranked opponents by an average margin of 26.4 points.
This game could come down to turnovers. LSU has yet to turn the ball over this season after leading the nation in fewest turnovers last year with eight. Auburn has six takeaways thus far this season, including an SEC-high four interceptions. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has yet to throw an interception in 83 college passes.
Another big showdown among unbeatens today is Ohio State vs. TCU (21) in Arlington, Texas, with the Buckeyes favored by 13. It’s the last game without Urban Meyer on the sidelines.
The Buckeyes haven’t missed him so far, rolling up 64.5 points and 650 yards per game, while converting a nation-leading 72.4 percent of their third downs. TCU is coming off a pair of blowouts its own self.
The Horned Frogs defense has allowed the fewest scrimmage plays of 10 yards or more in the nation, just 5.5 per game; Ohio State has produced 19.5 such plays per game. Can the Buckeyes take the top off this Gary Patterson defense?
I think so.
nContact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
