The South Carolina Gamecocks start SEC play on Saturday afternoon, set to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams enter 2-0, as the Gamecocks defeated Towson and Kent State in the first two weeks. Mississippi State notched victories over UL-Monroe and Minnesota.
With kickoff less than 24 hours away, let's take a look at the final odds for the matchup, and give a prediction as to how the game will go.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina final odds
South Carolina opened as a slight 3.5-point favorite in the beginning of the week. Since then, that number has gone slightly up, as South Carolina is listed as a 4-point favorite per DraftKings. The site also lists the over/under at 58.5, so it's expected to be a close South Carolina victory.
In the last two weeks, Mississippi State's defense has allowed just 26 points across its two games. South Carolina, meanwhile, shutout Kent State and gave up just nine points to Towson last week.
South Carolina OC Kendal Briles has faced brother-in-law Jeff Lebby 3 times before
Mississippi State-South Carolina Prediction
South Carolina 27, Mississippi State 20
I do agree with the folks out in Las Vegas that this one will be pretty close. Bulldog quarterback Kamario Taylor has looked sensational in his last two weeks, and wasn't rattled playing in a road environment like Minnesota last week.
MSU head coach Jeff Lebby will also be looking for a signature win, as he has yet to put together a winning season in Starkville. But unfortunately for the Bulldogs, playing in front of a sellout crowd won't be a cake walk.
On defense, Bulldog head coach Jeff Lebby has a 1-18 record when his unit gives up more than 21 points. While yes, the Gamecocks are averaging 51 points per game (good for 12th in the country), it's no secret that's come against lesser competition. But since 2021 Kendal Briles' offenses have never averaged less than 30 points.
While South Carolina scoring 30 might be a challenge, I think getting to 27 is feasible against a solid defense like MSU is feasible. This will be the best defense the Gamecocks have faced yet though, so it'll be interesting to see how the offense meets the challenge early.
Expect LaNorris Sellers to get back on the same page with his receivers DJ Black and Mazeo Bennett Jr., as well.
MSU's run defense has only allowed 75 yards on the ground per game, so that could potentially limit Matt Fuller and Jabree Coleman on the ground. But I do think that can open up some running opportunities for Sellers, who had 119 yards and a score on the ground last week. His pass protection should be much better, assuming left tackle Jacarrius Peak will suit up as expected.
Defensively, South Carolina will have a challenge going up against Taylor, and running back Fluff Bothwell has rushed for 165 yards and two scores. But with the return of Dylan Stewart on defense for the Gamecocks, every opposing offense should be put on notice. Taylor's elusiveness has allowed him to be sacked just once, but I think Stewart can get at least one sack on Taylor Saturday.
I like South Carolina at home here before a huge road trip next week against No. 10 Alabama looms.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 4:15 p.m., and the game will air on SEC Network
Gamecocks spent big on 2026 roster despite big gap between SEC heavyweights
Add us as a preferred source on Google