Mississippi State vs Vanderbilt, Prediction Pick, 2009

Two over-achievers from last season hook up for a meeting this Saturday. Both teams enter the contest with identical 1-1 records with each team losing a conference game already. Last season, MSU beat Vandy when the Commodores were ranked 13th and undefeated at 5-0. The revenge factor will be played out this weekend.

Mississippi State was disappointing on defense against Auburn last week. I’m not sure if Coach Mullen understands that he cannot run a spread offense without big-play athletes yet, but that is exactly what was attempted against Auburn. Yeah, it worked great against Jackson State, but once you get into a tough SEC schedule, it isn’t going to fly. Rotating quarterbacks isn’t such a bright move either.

Realistically, this may be Mississippi State’s best chance at winning an SEC game all season, and they are still listed as 9-point underdogs. I think Vanderbilt brings too much defense and just enough offense to escape the upset at home.

I’m saying Vanderbilt wins this one 28-20.