Mississippi State vs Minnesota Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Mississippi State Bulldogs travel to Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on CBS. Both teams are 1-0 after huge opening victories, with Mississippi State beating ULM 62-13 and Minnesota crushing Eastern Illinois 59-7. The current betting market has Mississippi State favored by 1.5 points with the total at 55.5. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Mississippi State Produces Record-Setting Opener

Mississippi State exploded for a school-record 762 total yards against ULM, scoring 62 points and demonstrating exactly why there was optimism surrounding Jeff Lebby's offense entering his third season in Starkville.

Kamario Taylor immediately showed why he was one of the most intriguing quarterbacks entering the season. His dual-threat ability helped Mississippi State consistently create explosive plays as the Bulldogs overwhelmed ULM from the opening quarter.

The obvious question is how much of that production carries over against a Big Ten opponent on the road. Minnesota's defense represents a massive increase in competition, but generating 762 yards against anyone demonstrates an offensive ceiling that has to be respected.

Minnesota Opens With a 52-Point Victory

Minnesota was equally dominant in its opener, beating Eastern Illinois 59-7 at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Golden Gophers took care of business against an FCS opponent and now remain home for a much more meaningful early-season test.

Minnesota's traditional formula under P.J. Fleck has been built around controlling possession, running the football and limiting explosive plays defensively. That approach becomes particularly important against a Mississippi State offense that wants to generate tempo and space.

The Golden Gophers also have the home-field advantage in what the betting market views as essentially a toss-up. Minnesota doesn't need to match Mississippi State's pace if it can dictate the style of the game and keep Taylor on the sideline.

Mississippi State vs Minnesota Picks and Prediction

Pick: Mississippi State -1.5

This number essentially asks Mississippi State to win, and Mississippi State -1.5 is the preferred side. Minnesota deserves respect at home after scoring 59 points, but the Bulldogs' 762-yard opener was impossible to ignore. Taylor gives Mississippi State a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, and Lebby's offense appears capable of attacking Minnesota in ways Eastern Illinois couldn't. In a game priced close to even, I'll back the more explosive offense. Take Mississippi State -1.5.

Pick: Under 55.5

The Under 55.5 is my second play. Both teams scored more than 59 points in Week 1, but those performances came against dramatically weaker opposition. Minnesota should try to slow the pace and keep Mississippi State's offense off the field, while the Bulldogs face a significant increase in defensive competition. A result around 28-24 or 27-24 fits the matchup. Take Under 55.5.

Final Picks: Mississippi State -1.5 and Under 55.5