Tennessee-Martin @ Mississippi State preview

THE STORY: Mississippi State steps out of Southeastern Conference play when the Bulldogs host high-scoring Tennessee-Martin. Mississippi State, which will be shooting for its 10th straight non-conference win dating back to 2009, plays the first of three November home games. The Bulldogs are coming off their first road win of the season at Kentucky last week and having played five of their first eight games on the road. Tennessee-Martin is an FCS team which plays in the Ohio Valley Conference.

TV: CSS. LINE: None.

ABOUT TENNESSEE-MARTIN (5-3): The Skyhawks are close to being 8-0, but have three losses by a total of seven points, including league losses to No. 15 Tennessee Tech 34-31 and at No. 18 Jacksonville State 24-23. Tennessee-Martin is 4-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference, one-half game out of first place while receiving votes in the FCS Top 25 poll. The Skyhawks are led by quarterback Derek Carr, who has passed for 1,817 yards with 18 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. The junior running back duo of Jason McNair (119 carries, 615 yards) and Tevin Barksdale (83, 530) have combined for 13 touchdowns.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (4-4): The Bulldogs have been rotating quarterbacks recently as Chris Relf and Tyler Russell have shared playing time. Relf accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing) in the win at Kentucky last week while Russell threw for 176 yards and a score. Senior running back Vick Ballard has been the constant on offense, rushing for 688 yards - sixth best in the SEC - and five touchdowns. Ballard has 25 touchdowns in 20 career games. Defensively, the Bulldogs are playing their best of the season, allowing 33 points in their last three games. Junior defensive back Johnthan Banks is tied for the lead in the nation with 13 passes defended and is tied for second with five interceptions.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Mississippi State has allowed only 60 points in the second half all season, an average of 7.1 per game.

2. Tennessee-Martin coach Jason Simpson, a native of Ellisville, Miss., came to Mississippi State as a quarterback and also played baseball there for the legendary Ron Polk. After two seasons, Simpson transferred to Southern Mississippi, where he played baseball and was graduated from in 1994.

3. Saturday is Homecoming for Mississippi State and the Bulldogs. Tennessee-Martin will be playing in its fourth Homecoming of the season and has one more remaining at Tennessee State on Nov. 12.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 45 Tennessee-Martin 20 - Mississippi State has too much talent and speed for the Skyhawks.