Jeff Lebby won his first game as Mississippi State’s head coach convincingly over FCS lightweight Eastern Kentucky, racking up 56 points. On Saturday night at Arizona State, the Bulldogs get a better barometer of where they stand. The Sun Devils won their game as a Big 12 member in much easier than expected fashion, routing Wyoming 48-7.
Arizona State hosts an SEC opponent for the first time since 2008, looking to improve on a rough first season under Kenny Dillingham. The 34-year-old former offensive coordinator at Oregon, Florida State, Auburn and Memphis went 3-9 after being hired to put things back together following a rough ending to the Herm Edwards era, which ended with the former Jets coach and ESPN commentator fired in early Sept. 2022 following a 1-3 start.
Mississippi State also seeks to turn the page to a more successful chapter following the tragic death of Mike Leach, having moved on from his replacement, long-time assistant Zach Arnett, following just 10 games.
After resounding victories to open the season, schools that want to play attractive, up-tempo football square off for the first time in one of the few late starts on Saturday night’s college football schedule (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Check 'em out : All NCAAF Week 1 odds and betting lines
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State odds: Spread, moneyline, total for Week 2 college football matchup
Arizona State opened as a 4.5-point favorite and moved to -6 in early wagering. Here are live Week 2 college football betting odds for Mississippi State vs. Arizona State at top-rated US sportsbooks .
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Mississippi State betting news and analysis
Following an eye-opening run as offensive coordinator at UCF, Lebby moved on to help run the attacks at Ole Miss and Oklahoma, so there’s no mystery regarding what type of team he’s looking to build in Starkville. Lebby’s offenses have consistently been among the national leaders in plays per game and scoring.
The win over EKU featured eight explosive plays (passes of 20+ yards or runs of +15) and saw the MSU offense gain nearly eight yards per snap. Baylor transfer Blake Shapen threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, despite Lebby keeping things vanilla given the daunting schedule that awaits the Bulldogs. He finished with a team-best 51 rushing yards and threw for another 240 on 15-for-20 passing.
Mississippi State looks to improve to 12-2 in non-conference road games over the past decade and will likely deploy Penn State transfer RB Keyvone Lee in a larger role after he split carries in the opener. The Bulldogs will be without Kelly Akharaiyi, a 1,000-yard receiver at UTEP last season, and safety Corey Ellington, this season’s leading returning tackler, for the second consecutive week. DT Kalvin Dinkins is expected to return.
Arizona State betting news and analysis
The Sun Devils forced three Wyoming turnovers, surprising since only four defensive starters returned from a unit that surrendered 98 points over last season’s final two games. Two top tacklers at their respective programs, LBs Keyshaun Elliott (New Mexico St.) and Zyrus Fiaseu (San Diego St.) picked off passes in their ASU debuts, so there’s a possibility that upgraded personnel will spark a turnaround on that side of the ball.
Coming off its first Game 1 win over a fellow FBS school since 2018, ASU looks to open a season 2-0 for the first time since 2021, which was also the last time it won consecutive games.
Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt won a three-way QB battle and threw for 244 yards and two scores while also leading the team in rushing yards with 61. Senior RB Cam Skattebo is an NFL prospect.
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State prop bets
Here is a sampling of MSU vs. ASU prop bets from DraftKings .
- MSU team total: Over 26.5 -120, Under 26.5 -115
- ASU team total: Over 33.5 -125 Under 33.5 -110
- Race to 20 points: ASU -215, MSU +140, Neither +1900
- Total TDs: Over 7.5 -120, Under 7.5 -110
- Longest TD: ASU -165, MSU +110, Neither +1900
- 1H spread: ASU -3.5 (+100), MSU (-120) O/U: 30.5
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State prediction: Bulldogs cover as live 'dog
The Bulldogs must overcome a road atmosphere and an improved defense, so it’s understandable that they’re in an underdog role, but Lebby shouldn’t be underestimated. Shapen has excelled on the road and should make enough plays to keep this close. Since this may be a wild one after dark where the team that has the ball last prevails, it’s worth taking the points with Mississippi State.
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