Miss State is 83rd in run defense allowing 4.6 ypc and Rice is 9th in the country running ball 65% of the time. Miss State wins when they stop the run and a closer look reveals just how challenging of a schedule they have had facing 9 top 50 rushing offense in which they only allowed 200+ yards 3 times. They held an explosive Auburn team to a season low 120 yards and they did it on the road so I truly believe they can stop Rice from running the ball and Rice is completely one dimensional.

Conference USA was 1-16 vs. top 40 teams and when you look at Miss State's schedule they were far better than their record indicated. I think this will be a game where the defense just takes over and the benefits of holding Rice to 3 and outs will benefit the offense that also likes to runt he ball with a power attack. All 6 of Miss State teams are to top 25 teams and I just feel they are a far better team than Rice who had their glory by upsetting Marshall in the CUSA Championship.