Third-ranked Louisiana State University will open its Southeastern Conference play tonight against No. 25 Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss.

LSU is coming off a 49-3 home-opening win over Northwestern State last Saturday.

The Bulldogs are coming off a bitter 41-34 loss to Auburn, where they had a chance to score at the goal line. Auburn stopped the Bulldogs from crossing the plain.

LSU sophomore running back Michael Ford has 168 yards on 27 carries and four touchdowns this season.

MSU senior running back Vick Ballard hs 301 yards on 31 carries and four touchdowns.

LSU has a 35-win record advantage over MSU (68-33-3) going into tonight’s contest.

The game will be televised on ESPN, and kick off is slated for 7 p.m. CST.