ESPN’s FPI predicts winner of Mississippi State’s Week 2 clash with Arizona

Mississippi State looks to improve to 2-0 in Week 2 following a 48-7 expected romp over Southeastern Louisiana in Week 1.

The Bulldogs may be facing a Power 5 opponent this time around, but the Wildcats are still underdogs in this game against Arnett and Mississippi State. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), which features a projection for each college football matchup of the 2023 season, gives Mississippi State a 74.8% chance of walking away with a win Saturday.

Arizona QB Jayden de Laura is a name to watch out for this weekend. de Laura played well in the Wildcats’ 38-3 win over Northern Arizona, throwing for 285 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. It’s just Southeastern Louisiana, but Mississippi State made life very difficult last week in the pass game for the Lions. Expect a lot of the same Saturday.

We’ve touched on de Laura’s ability as a passer, but Arizona’s most dangerous group has to be de Laura’s pass catchers, especially TE Tetairoa McMillan and Jacob Cowing. The duo combined for 6 receptions for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week.

Thankfully, Mississippi State fans don’t have to be up until Sunday to watch the conclusion of this one like Auburn fans against Cal. The game is played at MSU and will kick at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.