Tennessee football hosts Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium on Saturday night in the Vols’ penultimate home game of the 2024 regular season. The Bulldogs are looking for their first win in SEC play while Tennessee is looking to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Each week, Rocky Top Insider will take you behind the scenes with a question and answer with a media member who covers Tennessee’s opponent.
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What were your preseason expectations for Mississippi State in Jeff Lebby’s first season? How have they matched them to this point?
“Preseason expectations weren’t super high for Jeff Lebby’s first season, especially because of the difficult schedule Mississippi State has with road games at Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Ole Miss. However, there was legitimate hope that Mississippi State could win five or six games and maybe sneak into a bowl. Those expectations haven’t been met. MSU just snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win against UMass. Its only other win was Week 1 against Eastern Kentucky. The defense has been the biggest issue.”
How has Michael Van Buren changed Mississippi State’s offense? What are his strengths?
“Van Buren isn’t super different from what Mississippi State had with Blake Shapen before his injury. He has definitely exceeded expectations as a freshman. His first two career starts were at Texas and at Georgia, and Mississippi State kept it close in the second half in both of those games. Van Buren has a strong arm and can run a little bit. Most importantly, he hasn’t made many freshmen-like mistakes, so people are pretty high on his future at MSU.”
What about Mississippi State’s offense has given opponents issues this season?
“The Mississippi State offense is at its best when it can run tempo. The Bulldogs have been able to score points quickly in games, but have started many games slowly and then have to claw back. MSU wasn’t running the ball well to start the season, but has found success in the last month with running backs Davon Booth and Johnnie Daniels. At receiver, Kevin Coleman Jr. has quietly been one of the best in the SEC.”
Is Mississippi State’s run defense as bad as the numbers indicate? Are there any areas where the Bulldogs’ defense has been good?
“Yes, the run defense has been bad as the numbers say. And frankly, the entire defense has been as bad as the numbers say. MSU has some injuries on the defensive line that haven’t helped, but the unit was already playing poorly before the injuries. A lack of pass rush has been brutal — MSU only has seven sacks this season — so it’s been a struggle to defend the run and pass. It’s difficult to point to the strength of the defense. Individually, Isaac Smith and Stone Blanton are both top 15 in the country in tackles.”
What is a key or a couple keys for Mississippi State to give them a chance to pull the upset?
“Mississippi State must find a way to run the ball, mostly just to chew up the clock. The offense has been able to score points on just about anyone. Although the defense was great against UMass, it’s hard to expect that against Tennessee. Running the ball with success and limiting Tennessee’s offensive positions is MSU’s best chance. The defense isn’t trustworthy.”
Score prediction?
Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 17
