Jackson State @ Mississippi State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) Jackson State 7, Mississippi State 45

Mississippi State, which is under NCAA investigation for a possible recruiting violation, will try for its 12th straight non-conference victory when it hosts Jackson State on Saturday. The Bulldogs won all five of their non-conference games last season, including a 23-17 victory over Wake Forest in the Music City Bowl. Mississippi State will try for its third straight winning season under Dan Mullen, who is 21-17 in three years. Wide receivers coach Angelo Mirando resigned Sunday amid the investigation and Mullen quickly hired Tim Brewster to fill the role. Brewster was 15-30 in four seasons (2007-10) as Minnesota coach. The Bulldogs, who allowed only 19.7 points per game in 2011 - 16th in the country - are expected to again have a strong defense, led by an experienced secondary. Jackson State, which plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, is an FCS team which is 0-8 all-time against FBS members.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: None

ABOUT JACKSON STATE (2011 record: 9-2, 7-2 SWAC): The Tigers, who finished in a three-way tie with Alabama State and Alabama A&M in the SWAC's East Division last season, were picked second in the 2012 preseason poll. Dedric McDonald has big shoes to fill as he takes over at quarterback from Casey Therriault, who threw 58 touchdown passes and completed 59.2 percent of his throws in two years at Jackson State. McDonald, though, will have two preseason All-American targets at his disposal. Wide receiver Rico Richardson made 37 catches for a team-high 896 yards and 11 touchdowns last season while E.J. Drewery had 26 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns. Drewery, who is 6 feet 6, 236 pounds, is also expected to see time at tight end. Coach Rick Comegy begins his seventh season at Jackson State with a 41-26 record.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (2011 record: 7-6, 2-6 SEC): The Bulldogs, who were picked in the preseason poll to finish last in the SEC West, can better that rating with an improved offense, but must replace running back Vick Ballard, who averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns in 2011. Ballard was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Junior quarterback Tyler Russell, who threw for 1,034 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games last season, has his top three receivers back. Seniors Chris Smith, Arceto Clark and Chad Bumphis combined for 90 catches and nine touchdowns in 2011. Senior Johnthan Banks returns to lead the secondary which will also boast seniors Corey Broomfield and Darius Slay, and junior Nickoe Whitley. The quartet has played a combined 111 games, including 60 starts. Banks has 12 interceptions and needs four to tie Walt Harris for the school record.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Mississippi State won the only previous meeting, 45-7 in 2009.

2. Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen has 21 victories in his first three seasons, the second-most in a three-year span only to Allyn McKeen's 26 from 1939-41.

3. Mississippi State's top running back is expected to be junior LaDarius Perkins, who averaged 4.9 yards per carry and scored twice in 2011.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 34-7