Liberty Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Texas Tech

Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (Memphis, Tenn.)

Time: Dec. 28, 6:45 p.m. on ESPN

Teams: Mississippi State (7–5) versus Texas Tech (6–6)

Line: Mississippi State -8.5

Summary

It's hard not to make this matchup all about Mike Leach facing his former team.

For the fact of the matter, it's hard not making everything about Mike Leach all the time. The man is electric.

His new team is better on paper, even though they hold a similar record to the Red Raiders. The Bulldogs' resume is simply more well-rounded than Texas A&M's, and this is a great bounce-back spot after a close Egg Bowl loss.

Our Pick

Mississippi State covers with ease.

Leach gets his boys riled up to face his former team and doesn't let off the gas pedal, and the talent disparity is on clear display between these two programs.

The Score: Mississippi State, 42-20