As we get a little closer to conference play, we are starting to see who the contenders and pretenders are and that will continue to prove out this week.  Here's what I'm watching starting thursday night.

7:00 #3 LSU at #25 Mississippi State ESPiN
At the beginning of the season when Miss St came out in the top 25 I was wondering what in the world people were thinking.  But I've come to the conclusion that the 1-1 Bulldogs are not as awful as I thought they were.  They have a solid running game with Ballard and are tied for 5th in total offense.  LSU (2-0) has a horrible offense but they win games so far with ball control, defense and special teams getting good field position. 

LSU is favored by 3 on the road.  Offense sells tickets, defense wins games and special teams wins championships.  I'm picking LSU to cover.