- Matchup: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds: Gamecocks favored by 3.5 points
- Total Points (Over/Under): 58
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This Saturday, September 19, 2026, the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-0) at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Bulldogs enter this contest as 3.5-point underdogs, with a combined total of 58 points expected.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs boast a perfect record of 2-0 this season. Their last matchup saw them triumph over the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a decisive score of 38-13. On the defensive side, they allowed just 13 rushing yards on 15 attempts, averaging an impressive 0.9 yards allowed per carry. In the passing game, Mississippi State permitted 31 completions out of 48 attempts for a total of 279 yards, resulting in a 64.6% completion rate. Offensively, they executed 68 plays that totaled 479 yards, with 46 rushes accounting for 252 yards at an average of 5.5 yards per carry.
In terms of scoring, the Bulldogs have an impressive average of 50.0 points per game, ranking them among the top teams in college football. They lead in rushing yards with an average of 298.5, placing them 9th nationally. Over the course of the season, they’ve amassed a total of 1,241 yards, scoring 7 touchdowns through the air and 6 on the ground. With 63 first downs accumulated, they’ve also faced 14 penalties totaling 138 yards, while turning the ball over only once this season.
Defensively, Mississippi State has surrendered 419 passing yards, ranking them 72nd in the country, which translates to 209.5 yards allowed per game with a completion percentage of 61.8%. They’ve given up an average of 285.0 total yards per game, placing them 48th nationally, and allowed 1 touchdown through the air with none on the ground. Opponents are averaging 2.7 rushing yards per attempt, totaling 75.5 yards per game. The Bulldogs’ defense ranks 34th in Division 1, conceding only 13.0 points per game.
The South Carolina Gamecocks are also riding high with a record of 2-0 thus far. Their most recent game resulted in a commanding 45-9 win against the Towson Tigers. South Carolina compiled 502 yards over 67 plays (averaging 7.5 yards per play), with a formidable rushing attack averaging 9.9 yards per attempt for a total of 405 yards on 41 carries. Defensively, they allowed just 21 rushing yards on 29 attempts (0.7 yards per carry) and limited opponents to a 52.9% completion rate, yielding 182 passing yards from 18 completions on 34 attempts.
Offensively, the Gamecocks average an impressive 573.5 yards per game, placing them 5th in Division 1. However, they’ve committed 75 yards of penalties due to 9 infractions, ranking them 108th in terms of discipline. Their ground game averages 341.5 yards per game, totaling 683 yards this season. They’ve thrown just 1 interception and lost 1 fumble, but have secured 57 first downs. When it comes to scoring, South Carolina ranks 12th nationwide with an average of 51.0 points per game. Their passing statistics show 464 yards for the season, equating to 232.0 yards per game, which places them 65th in Division 1.
On the defensive side, South Carolina has allowed just 121 rushing yards this season (60.5 yards per game), conceding no rushing touchdowns. They’ve allowed 1 passing touchdown and an average of 130.5 passing yards per game, ranking 18th in Division 1. The Gamecocks have yet to concede any fumbles and have registered 1 interception this season. Their defense has been on the field for 111 plays, ranking 23rd nationally, while allowing just 4.5 points per game, putting them 2nd in the nation.
Who do you think will come out on top in this thrilling matchup between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks?
Expert Pick: Take the Gamecocks -3.5
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