Mississippi State and UMass Clash in Crucial College Football Matchup

The Massachusetts Minutemen and the Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to face off in a college football matchup on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. This game marks a significant encounter for both teams, each looking to break their respective losing streaks. Mississippi State is on a four-game home losing streak, while UMass has lost its last four games on the road.

Mississippi State, with a record of 1-7 and 0-5 in the SEC, is seeking to end its six-game overall losing streak. The Bulldogs have struggled recently, including a 58-25 loss to Arkansas in their last outing. Freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren has shown promise, having his highest completion percentage in the last game and contributing three total touchdowns for the third consecutive game.

UMass, with a 2-6 record, has also faced significant challenges this season. The Minutemen are coming off a win against Wagner but have had a tough time in their previous SEC matchups. Quarterback Taisun Phommachanh is a key player for UMass, known for his ability with his legs, although he has struggled with staying upright when plays break down.

The matchup analysis suggests that Mississippi State has an edge at the quarterback position due to Van Buren’s recent performance. However, UMass has an advantage in the offensive line, with experienced players, and at the linebacker position, led by middle linebacker Jalen Stewart. The defensive line and secondary are considered even, while Mississippi State has a slight edge in special teams.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:15 PM ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. The odds favor Mississippi State, with a spread of +19.0 points for UMass to cover.