Saturday Selections: Week 5 SEC Picks Against the Spread

Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Dwayne Thomas (13) reacts after sacking Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Mexico State at #17 LSU (-43), 6:30pm CT, SEC Network

It’s another Saturday night in Death Valley, but after the way Mississippi State jumped on the Tigers last week, it doesn’t seem all that intimidating anymore. Yes, the final score was 34-29, but the Bulldogs controlled the game from the opening kickoff. Luckily for LSU, Dak Prescott won’t be back in Tiger Stadium. I

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nstead, the New Mexico State Aggies will come to town as a warm up for LSU’s trip to face the Auburn Tigers next week. Traditionally speaking, NMSU is one of the worst FBS college football programs in history. However, they jumped out to a 2-0 record in 2014 with wins over Cal Poly and Georgia State before dropping rivalry games at UTEP and at home against New Mexico. So far, they appear to be improved. Of course, it won’t matter against LSU.

The Tigers have taken care of business against cupcakes so far this season with wins over Sam Houston and UL Monroe by a combined 87-0. They should have very little trouble with the Aggies this Saturday, but will they cover? 43 points is a lot, and if NMSU can put any points on the board it will be difficult.

Expect this game to be a laugher, and we should see plenty of young LSU players in the final non-conference tune-up, but NMSU will sneak in under the spread.

LSU 42, New Mexico State 3