Mississippi State, led by quarterback Tyler Russell, is looking to move to 4-0 on Saturday. (US Presswire)

South Alabama (1-2, 0-0 Sun Belt) at No. 23 Mississippi State (3-0, 1-0 SEC)

Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (Pay per view)

Spread: No line

Watchability: Mississippi State had a surprisingly close 30-24 win at Troy last week, but the Bulldogs should be fine in this one. South Alabama is in the process of transitioning from FCS to FBS, and will be full-fledged member of the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. There shouldn’t be a lot to see here. Expect the Bulldogs to put this one out of reach early.

Shining stars: Mississippi State: QB Tyler Russell has made the most out of his first season as the full-time starter for the Bulldogs. His completion percentage was down last week at Troy (42.3 percent), but he still managed to throw for 244 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. South Alabama: RB Demetre Baker leads the Jaguars in rushing with 183 yards on 39 carries (4.7 yards per carry). He looked comfortable against major competition last week in South Alabama’s 31-7 loss at North Carolina State, carrying seven times for 45 yards and catching five passes for 55 yards.

Who could steal the show: Mississippi State: WR Chad Bumphis is becoming a regular visitor to the end zone for the Bulldogs. He leads the SEC with five touchdown receptions, and had three scores at Troy last week. South Alabama: WR T.J. Glover is the team’s leading receiver, and handles all the return duties. He has multiple big plays on the year, including a 29-yard reception, a 37-yard punt return and a 48-yard kickoff return.

Magic number for Mississippi State: 13. The Bulldogs have won 13 straight against out-of-conference foes. The school record of 18 straight (1941-47) is within striking distance.

Magic number for South Alabama: 1. This is the first game against an SEC team in the school’s history.

The game comes down to: Mississippi State has more talent on both sides of the ball, so the Bulldogs just need to execute and take care of the football. The Jaguars have some impressive skill players who could break a long play or two, but the Bulldogs’ superior talent should make this a fairly easy win.

Prediction: Mississippi State 41, South Alabama 10

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.