People love taking Kansas State as a home underdog, but now that Mississippi State's spread is within a touchdown, I'm buying in and sticking with my old adage of taking talented SEC teams in big nonconference games. Not doing so cost me last week, and I'm not going to let that happen again in a game that Nick Fitzgerald and an experienced Bulldogs program should win easily. Sure, there is some concern with a neophyte coach in Joe Moorhead going up against veteran Bill Snyder, but let's not act like that's the only factor. Picks like this are why I like waiting to Saturday for certain games.

There was a time when I wouldn't dream of going against Kansas State as a home dog, as Bill Snyder was a covering machine in such situations. That hasn't been the case the last few seasons, as the Wildcats went 1-2 in that spot last season, and it just feels as though things are heading the wrong direction. Last week's struggle with South Dakota doesn't inspire much confidence, either. Then there's Mississippi State, which has a terrific defense, and defense travels. Plus the Bulldogs will be getting Nick Fitzgerald back from suspension. I think this line should be closer to 12 or 13, so I'll take advantage of it at nine.

This game will be decided up front. We know Kansas State will live and die by its ability to run the ball, which means owning the line of scrimmage is critical. That is what kept the Wildcats from being upset by South Dakota last week. The issue here against Mississippi State is that the Bulldogs have one of the best defensive lines in football. You can make a legit argument that they are right there next to Clemson and Alabama in that regard. And by the way, QB Nick Fitzgerald is back after serving his suspension.