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After No. 1 Alabama all but ended their national title hopes last week, the No. 7 LSU Tigers take on the No. 21 Mississippi State Bulldogs in a game that better favors the Tigers. Though LSU is a heavy favorite, this marks the fifth consecutive game that the Tigers have faced a ranked SEC opponent. LSU is 2-2 in those games, with a loss to No. 10 Florida joining last week's loss to the Tide.
Mississippi State was on a roll before running into some ranked SEC competition of its own. The Bulldogs were undefeated until being whomped by Alabama and No. Texas A&M over the last two Saturdays. But they bring into Tiger Stadium a defense that allows 19.7 points per game, good for 23rd in the nation. As is most SEC games, this will be a battle of top defenses, as LSU ranks 10th in points allowed per game with 15.3.
LSU will look to control the game on the ground, with their balanced rushing attack featuring Jeremy Hill and Kenny Hilliard, who are both averaging over five yards per carry. The Bulldogs will counter with LaDarius Perkins, who also averages over five yards per rush and has scored eight touchdowns on the season.
Following this game, the Tigers and Bulldogs both have games remaining against Ole Miss and Arkansas and will be shuffling for BCS bowl position come December.
Game Time/TV Channel: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Online Streaming Video: ESPN3.com
Spread: LSU -17
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