Mississippi State vs. Arizona odds, spread, time: 2023 college football picks, Week 2 predictions from model
The Arizona Wildcats face an SEC team on the road for the first time since 2006 as they match up with the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday night. Both teams enter 1-0 after defeating FCS foes, Arizona having defeated Northern Arizona 38-3, while Mississippi State walloped SE Louisiana, 48-7. The teams played last year in Tucson, a 39-17 Bulldogs victory, in which they scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to pull away for good.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville. The latest Arizona vs. Mississippi State odds via the SportsLine consensus list the Bulldogs as 9-point favorites, with the over/under at 60. Before making any Arizona vs. Mississippi State picks, be sure to .
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. The proprietary computer model is off to a fast 4-2 start on all-top rated college football picks this season. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Mississippi State vs. Arizona and just locked in its picks and CFB predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the college football odds and betting lines for Arizona vs. Mississippi State:
- Arizona vs. Mississippi State spread: Mississippi State -9
- Arizona vs. Mississippi State over/under: 60 points
- Arizona vs. Mississippi State money line: Mississippi State -351, Arizona +276
- Arizona vs. Mississippi State picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Arizona can cover
The Wildcats made their share of mistakes last Saturday night but the score didn't reflect it against in-state rival, Northern Arizona, who defeated the Wildcats in Tucson two years ago. Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, rushing for a 53 yard touchdown to blow the game open late in the third quarter. The Wildcats were led by star receivers Tetairoa McMillan (3-65-1) and Jacob Cowing (3-38-1), as well as Colorado transfer Montana Lemonious-Craig (2-49-0). Running back Jonah Coleman rushed for 26 yards on three carries and caught three passes for 59 yards and a score.
Last year Arizona's defense was among the worst statistically in the country but on Saturday they showed improvement with a slew of transfers on board. Returning linebacker Jacob Manu led the team in tackles against the Lumberjacks with nine, followed by defensive backs Dalton Johnson and UCLA transfer Martell Irby with seven each. The Wildcats' defense will face their first major challenge of 2023 going up against the balanced Mississippi State offense this Saturday.
Why Mississippi State can cover
With long time coach Mike Leach having passed away suddenly before the team's bowl game last season, his replacement (former defensive coordinator) Zach Arnett has implemented a more balanced offense compared to Leach's Air Raid. In the Bulldogs' game vs. SE Louisiana, QB Will Rogers only threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 20 of 29 passing. Running back Jo'Quavious Marks was the star, rushing 19 times for 127 yards and two scores while catching four passes for 59 yards.
In total against the Lions, Mississippi State totaled 525 yards including 298 on the ground. Defensively they held SE Louisiana to only 208 yards and while Arizona's potent offense should far exceed that, turnovers should be key. In last year's matchup, the Bulldogs forced three interceptions by de Laura and should benefit further from Arizona playing in a hostile road environment in Starkville. See which team to pick here.
How to make Arizona vs. Mississippi State picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total. It has also generated an against-the-spread pick that hits in 60% of simulations. You can only get the model's picks at SportsLine.
