Mississippi State vs Georgia Tech: Orange Bowl 2014 Live Stream, TV Info, More

For much of the season, this probably isn't what Mississippi State envisioned for its season finale. 

The Bulldogs took the college football world by storm and stood at No. 1 in the country for most of October and November, but late-season losses to Alabama and Ole Miss sent them plummeting out of the playoff picture. 

Now, instead of playing an inaugural semifinal contest that likely would have brought the school invaluable exposure, Dan Mullen's squad will play No. 12 Georgia Tech in a far-less-publicized Orange Bowl matchup. 

Still, while its not the game Mississippi State was hoping for, there are plenty of reasons to be intrigued as the pair of high-powered offenses clash for an opportunity at the coveted 11-win season. 

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Spread: Mississippi St (-7), per OddsShark.com

When Mississippi State Has the Ball: The Dak Prescott Show

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

One of the most dynamic dual-threat players in college football, Dak Prescott threw for 2,996 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing for another 939 yards and 13 scores. 

It was a transcendent campaign, as he single-handedly re-wrote the Bulldogs' record books, per ForWhomTheCowBellTolls.com's Charlie Burris:

What's more, he'll be playing with a Heisman-sized chip on his shoulder. No one was ever going to top Marcus Mariota for the prestigious award, but many felt Prescott's season—even with a slight slip down the stretch—at least deserved a trip to New York as a finalist. 

Surely, he'll be looking to use the national stage to let the voters know they made a mistake. And against a Georgia Tech defense that is 106th in the nation in yards per play allowed (6.1), he shouldn't have much trouble doing so. 

When Georgia Tech Has the Ball: The Triple Option

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Paul Johnson's unique triple-option attack has drawn plenty of criticism over the years, but there's no question it gets results. 

The Yellow Jackets are third in the country in rushing yards per game and eighth in yards per carry, per sports-reference.com. Led by quarterback Justin Thomas (965 yards, five touchdowns), three different players have at least 700 yards and eight have hit the 200-yard mark. 

Teams know it's coming—Georgia Tech runs the ball on an astounding 78.76 percent of its plays—but they can't stop it. 

Mississippi State senior safety Jay Hughes, however, feels his team knows the antidote, via The Sun Herald's Patrick Magee:

"

Man, it does present some challenges. But it's basically assignment football. It all just boils down to assignments. It's all about discipline. One player has the quarterback and one has pitch. It all boils down to execution.

"

That's easier said than done, but the Bulldogs certainly have the pieces to make it happen. With first-team All-SEC DE Preston Smith holding the edge and potential first-round pick Benardrick McKinney roaming sideline-to-sideline, Mississippi State is allowing just 3.7 yards per carry. 

Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. 

Prediction

According to the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds, the Bulldogs are out-scoring opponents 106-35 in the first quarter this season.

Getting another fast start on Wednesday will be key for Mullen's squad, as Georgia Tech just doesn't have the personnel to play from behind.

With leading wide receiver DeAndre Smelter out with a torn ACL, moving the ball through the air at a high volume simply isn't a viable option for the Yellow Jackets. 

Even if Georgia Tech doesn't fall into an early hole, though, it doesn't have the defense to slow down Prescott, Josh Robinson and the Bulldogs offense. 

Mississippi State 37, Georgia Tech 24