Mississippi State opens the 2024 season — and the Jeff Lebby era — at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday when the Bulldogs host FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky for a 5 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+ and SEC Network Plus.
The Colonels, entering their fifth year under head coach Walt Wells, are in their second season in the United Athletic Conference, which formed when the Atlantic Sun and Western Athletic Conferences merged in 2023. Eastern Kentucky finished 5-6 last year, though they did put a scare into Kentucky on Sept. 9 when they led the Wildcats for much of the afternoon.
What: Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville
TV: ESPN+ and SEC Network Plus
Betting line: Mississippi State by 25.5
Weather: Partial sunshine with a chance of thunderstorms and a high of 89 degrees and winds out of the south at 2 miles per hour, per AccuWeather
Records/rankings: This is the season opener for both teams. MSU is not ranked or receiving votes in any of the FCS polls. The Colonels are receiving two votes in the FCS Coaches Poll.
Series history: This is the first-ever head-to-head meeting between the teams.
Mississippi State update: Nearly everything is new for the Bulldogs entering 2024, from the head coach to eight out of 10 assistants to just about every starter on both sides of the ball. MSU spent the spring and summer installing Lebby’s fast-paced spread offense, designed to get the ball to dynamic playmakers in space. Quarterback Blake Shapen, who played in a pro-style offense at Baylor, is getting set to make his first start as a Bulldog.
The defense, coordinated by Coleman Hutzler, is still in the process of figuring out its best 11, and safety Corey Ellington — one of just two projected returning starters — will miss Saturday’s game with an injury he sustained in fall camp. Wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi is also out, while running back Jeffery Pittman is not with the team at the moment due to an “internal matter.”
Eastern Kentucky update: The Colonels brought in Matt Morrisey from Western Illinois to be their starting quarterback, and the offensive line is arguably EKU’s biggest strength, led by Payton Collins and John Stone. Joshua Carter figures to get the majority of the carries as the lead running back.
The defense returns Mike Smith Jr., who is moving from linebacker to safety after intercepting two passes and breaking up 13 more in 2023. Ryan Jackson leads the way up front for a strong defensive line overall. MSU has the advantage when it comes to speed and overall talent at the skill positions, so if the Colonels are to make this a game, they will need to have success in the trenches.
Eastern Kentucky players to watch: QB Matt Morrisey, RB Joshua Carter, C John Stone, NT Ryan Jackson, S Mike Smith Jr.
Prediction: The Bulldogs are far from a finished product, but they showcase the offense’s big-play potential and win comfortably to give Lebby his first victory as a head coach. Mississippi State 45, Eastern Kentucky 21.
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