Key stretch: Mississippi State

Key stretch: Mississippi State

Key stretch: Auburn (Sept. 9), at LSU (Sept. 18), Georgia (Sept. 25).

Prediction:Mississippi State has the toughest road schedule in the league, and it’s really not close. The Bulldogs will pay visits to the last three national champions — Alabama, Florida and LSU. They also take on Houston and pass-happy Case Keenum on the road. So finding a way to win at least one of those first three SEC games at home (and preferably two) is imperative if the Bulldogs are going to go bowling for only the second time in the last 10 seasons. Keep in mind that both Florida and Alabama await on the road during the second half of the season. The Bulldogs won a total of three SEC games a year ago. It would be nice to have two SEC wins this season before the calendar flips to October, but one win is probably more realistic.

ESPN.com
7/15/10