GAME NOTES: The ninth-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs take a break from their respective league schedules to meet in Morgantown on Saturday. Sure, Mississippi State can be proud of a 4-3 record through the first seven games of the season, but the squad is a lowly 1-3 in SEC play. Last weekend, the Bulldogs dropped a 33-21 decision at home to Tennessee. With Kentucky on the schedule following this weekend's game, MSU has the unenviable task of taking on back-to-back top 10 opponents. West Virginia is 5-1 thus far, as the only loss came on the road to South Florida, a team currently ranked second nationally. The Mountaineers are fresh off a 55-14 thrashing of Syracuse, and they will play five straight Big East opponents to close out the regular season after this weekend. Mississippi State and West Virginia met for the first time ever last season, and the Mountaineers rolled to a 42-14 victory in that tilt.

Mississippi State scored one offensive touchdown in each of the first three quarters against Tennessee last week. In the opening stanza, Wesley Carroll threw a 38-yard touchdown strike to Tony Burks. Early in the second quarter, tailback Anthony Dixon broke free for a 30-yard scoring scamper. Finally, midway through the third frame, Jamayel Smith hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Wesley Carroll. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were held scoreless over the final 23 minutes of the contest, as Tennessee pulled away for the victory. MSU is averaging 22.9 ppg and 301.3 total ypg, numbers that aren't going to scare any opponents. Of the 17 touchdowns the Bulldogs have scored, 12 have been of the rushing variety. Dixon has run for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Carroll has yet to throw an interception. As for Burks, he has only caught 16 balls in seven games, good for team-high honors.

Judging by the fact that Tennessee scored 33 points last weekend, it is fair to say that the Mississippi State defense struggled. The Bulldogs allowed three touchdowns to the Vols, all of which came on drives covering at least 67 yards. MSU surrendered 470 yards in all, including 211 on 42 rushing attempts. So far this season, the Bulldogs are surrendering 25.0 ppg and 343.9 total ypg. Of the 20 touchdowns that they have allowed to opposing offenses, 11 have been rushing scores. Opponents are converting 40 percent of their third down opportunities, an aspect of the defense that MSU must improve upon. Jamar Chaney leads the Bulldogs with 50 total tackles, while Titus Brown has recorded six sacks.

West Virginia is averaging 42.8 ppg and 503.8 ypg of total offense. There is no shortage of star power on the offensive side of the ball for the Mountaineers, who are averaging 6.2 ypc. Of the 33 offensive touchdowns that the team has managed, 25 have been rushing scores. Quarterback Patrick White can get the job done with his arm and with his legs. He has completed 71.6 percent of his passes for 865 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception, and White has also rushed for 411 yards and seven scores. He injured his chest last game but should be good to go this weekend. As for Steve Slaton, the team's All- American tailback, he has run for 625 yards and nine scores. Add Noel Devine to the mix and there are a wealth of running options. Darius Reynaud is a tremendous receiver who has made 34 catches for 430 yards and six scores. In the romp over Syracuse last time out, WVU moved the ball at will, totaling 486 total yards. While Slaton was quiet, White ran for 89 yards and a score while passing for 148 yards and another touchdown.

Opponents have scored 17.2 ppg against West Virginia, which is allowing only 261.5 total ypg. Running room has been hard to find against the Mountaineers, who are yielding a mere 96.8 rushing ypg on 2.8 ypc. The pass defense has been solid as well, as WVU has come up with nine interception while yielding seven passing scores. With 19 sacks and 15 takeaways, there have been a decent amount of big plays made by the Mountaineers, but the defense could certainly stand to improve the pass rush a bit. Reed Williams paces WVU with 48 total tackles, 10 more than his closest teammate. As for Marc Magro and Johnny Dingle, both have recorded five sacks. Syracuse only managed 11 first downs and 202 total yards against the fierce Mountaineer defense last week.

West Virginia should have no trouble disposing of Mississippi State. After being contained last weekend, expect Steve Slaton to rip through the Bulldogs on his way to a big day.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: West Virginia 41, Mississippi State 17