Mississippi State/LSU NFL Draft watch notes

Unlike previous versions of this matchup, Mississippi State will have an edge LSU in terms of legit NFL Draft prospects tonight.

Bulldogs senior running back Vick Ballard has had a sensational two weeks, rushing for 301 yards on only 31 carries. The junior college transfer showed his talent last season, but has looked really good two games into the season. He's a strong runner with good vision but maybe not great speed.

Center Quinton Saulsberry is an incredibly experienced and versatile lineman. He's started 12 games at right tackle, 12 games at left guard and four at center. He's not a great prospect at any position but he'll make it onto an NFL roster because he can be plugged in just about anywhere.

On defense, Mississippi State has a couple solid prospers. Junior outside linebacker Cameron Lawrence is an emerging talent thanks to his athleticism and ability to get to the ball. He's started the season strong with 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

Safety Charles Mitchell is a good, productive box safety with decent athleticism and fluidity to get around the field.

Because Mississippi State is more of a running team, it will provide less chances to evaluate the pass coverage skills of LSU cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu. Both look like future top 50 picks. Claiborne, a junior, has everything you'd look for in a corner but can have lapses of effort. Mathieu is only a sophomore.

LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson has shown good hands and the ability to get open at times, but he's undersized.