Mississippi State @ Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Kentucky 17, Mississippi State 24

THE STORY: Something has to give when Mississippi State travels to Kentucky. Both teams are winless in the Southeastern Conference, and the loser will face an uphill battle to secure a .500 finish and bowl eligibility. The Wildcats have made a bowl appearance in each of the past five seasons - the longest streak in Kentucky history.

TV: FSN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Mississippi State -9.5.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (3-4, 0-4 SEC West): Who will play quarterback for the Bulldogs: Chris Relf or Tyler Russell? Coach Dan Mullen isn’t saying, and tried to add to the uncertainty in Wednesday’s SEC teleconference when he questioned “whether we’re going to play one, two or even three” quarterbacks against the Wildcats. Mississippi State cornerback Johnathan Banks boasts 13 passes defended - the highest total in the SEC - and his five interceptions are tied for the conference lead.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (3-4, 0-3 SEC East): The Wildcats went 2-6 in league play during Joker Phillips’ first season as coach and the SEC schedule has been unkind to Kentucky in 2011 as well. The Wildcats got drilled in each of their first three league games, getting outscored by Florida, LSU and South Carolina by a combined 137-20. All three of Kentucky’s wins have come at home, however. Kentucky just snapped a four-game losing streak with a 38-14 win over Jacksonville State, an FCS team, but remains the worst offensive team in the SEC at 259.86 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after recording two sacks and four tackles for a loss in the Bulldogs’ 14-12 setback to South Carolina.

2. Kentucky is breaking out its black jerseys for this game.

3. Turnover margin is a crucial statistic for both teams. Kentucky is 6-0 under Phillips when winning the turnover battle, while Mississippi State is 15-0 in the same circumstance.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 21, Kentucky 10 - The Bulldogs have been far from perfect this season, and represent the most winnable game yet on Kentucky’s SEC schedule. However, the Wildcats have one of the worst offenses in the nation. Coach Dan Mullen and Mississippi State will leave Lexington with their first SEC win of the season.