Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/14/2024 7:30 PM EST

We have your Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Toledo Rockets hit the road to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Toledo Rockets +325 (BetMGM) / Mississippi State Bulldogs -400 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -12.0 - Toledo Rockets -110 (DraftKings) / -11.5 - Mississippi State Bulldogs -110 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 59.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / Over -110 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 9/14/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Davis Wade Stadium (Starkville, MS)
TV: ESPNU

Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to host the Toledo Rockets in what promises to be an intriguing non-conference matchup at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs, under the guidance of first-year head coach Jeff Lebby, are looking to bounce back from a narrow 30-23 defeat at the hands of Arizona State. Despite the loss, Mississippi State showed resilience, particularly in the second half, which they will aim to carry into this game against Toledo.

Mississippi State's offense, led by quarterback Blake Shapen, struggled to establish a ground game against Arizona State, managing only 24 rushing yards. This lack of a running threat put additional pressure on Shapen and the passing game, which will need to be more balanced against a Toledo team that has started the season strong with victories over Duquesne and UMass. The Bulldogs will be keen to rectify their offensive inconsistencies and capitalize on the potential of standout receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, who is expected to play a more significant role as he continues to recover from a preseason injury.

Defensively, Mississippi State will need to tighten up against the run, having allowed Arizona State's Cam Skattebo to rush for a career-high 262 yards. The absence of key defensive linemen Kalvin Dinkins and Deonte Anderson was felt, and their potential return could bolster the Bulldogs' front line. However, the coaching staff is preparing as if they will be without them, emphasizing the need for improved tackling and discipline.

On the other side, the Toledo Rockets, under the long-standing leadership of their head coach, bring a veteran squad to Starkville. With a defensive unit featuring several sixth-year players, Toledo's experience could pose a challenge for Mississippi State. The Rockets' offense has shown versatility and skill, and they will look to exploit any defensive lapses by the Bulldogs.

This matchup is crucial for Mississippi State as they seek to regain momentum before entering the rigorous SEC schedule. A strong performance against Toledo would not only boost their confidence but also demonstrate the progress being made under Coach Lebby's new regime. The Bulldogs will need to start strong and maintain consistency throughout the game to secure a victory and set a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick: Mississippi State Bulldogs Against the Spread

As the Mississippi State Bulldogs prepare to face the Toledo Rockets, the spread favoring Mississippi State by 11.5 points seems justified given the context and dynamics of this matchup. Despite their recent setback against Arizona State, the Bulldogs demonstrated resilience, particularly in the second half, which suggests they are capable of bouncing back strongly. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State is in a transitional phase, but the potential for improvement is evident.

Mississippi State's offensive struggles against Arizona State, particularly in the running game, were a significant factor in their defeat. However, this game against Toledo presents an opportunity for the Bulldogs to rectify those issues. The return of standout receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, who is expected to play a more significant role as he recovers from injury, could provide the spark needed to balance their offensive attack. Additionally, the potential return of key defensive linemen Kalvin Dinkins and Deonte Anderson could bolster the Bulldogs' defense, which struggled against the run in their last outing.

Toledo, while a formidable opponent with a veteran squad, has yet to face a team of Mississippi State's caliber this season. Their victories over Duquesne and UMass, while impressive, do not compare to the level of competition they will encounter in Starkville. The Rockets' experience, particularly on defense, could pose challenges, but Mississippi State's home advantage and the urgency to bounce back before entering SEC play should provide the Bulldogs with the necessary edge.

Given these factors, Mississippi State is well-positioned to cover the spread. The Bulldogs' need to establish momentum and demonstrate progress under Coach Lebby's regime will drive them to deliver a strong performance. With improvements in their running game and defensive discipline, Mississippi State should be able to secure a convincing victory over Toledo, covering the spread and setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

Toledo Rockets at Mississippi State Bulldogs Top Player Prop Picks

Blake Shapen Over 250.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Blake Shapen, the quarterback for Mississippi State, is poised for a significant performance against Toledo. Despite the Bulldogs' struggles in their previous game against Arizona State, Shapen demonstrated resilience, particularly in the second half, where he orchestrated a near-comeback. With the Bulldogs' running game faltering, Shapen will likely be relied upon to carry the offensive load through the air. The return of standout receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, who is expected to play a more significant role as he recovers from injury, should provide Shapen with a reliable target to exploit Toledo's defense. Given the urgency for Mississippi State to bounce back and establish momentum before entering SEC play, Shapen is expected to surpass the 250.5 passing yards mark, making this a strong prop bet.

Cam Skattebo Under 100.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -110 (FanDuel)

Cam Skattebo's impressive performance against Mississippi State, where he rushed for a career-high 262 yards, highlighted the Bulldogs' defensive vulnerabilities. However, with the potential return of key defensive linemen Kalvin Dinkins and Deonte Anderson, Mississippi State's defense is expected to tighten up against the run. The Bulldogs' coaching staff has emphasized improved tackling and discipline, which should help contain Skattebo's rushing output. Additionally, Toledo's offensive line may not provide the same level of dominance as Arizona State's, giving Mississippi State a better chance to limit Skattebo's effectiveness. As a result, betting on Skattebo to fall short of the 100.5 rushing yards mark is a prudent choice.

Kelly Akharaiyi Over 75.5 Receiving Yards Receiving Yards -110 (Caesars)

Kelly Akharaiyi is set to play a pivotal role in Mississippi State's offensive strategy against Toledo. After being limited by a preseason injury, Akharaiyi is expected to see increased involvement in the Bulldogs' passing game. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays will be crucial for Mississippi State, especially given their struggles in the running game. With Blake Shapen likely to rely heavily on his passing attack, Akharaiyi's presence as a deep threat will be instrumental in exploiting Toledo's defense. Considering his potential to make significant contributions, Akharaiyi is well-positioned to exceed the 75.5 receiving yards mark, making this a compelling prop bet.