Mississippi St. Bulldogs vs
Tennessee VolunteersPredictions & Preview

Tennessee Volunteers Favored by 24.5 Points Against Mississippi State Bulldogs in NCAAF Showdown

The Tennessee Volunteers (7-1) will be hosting the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-7) on Saturday at 7:00 PM Eastern. Tennessee has won and covered three of their last four games. They are currently the betting favorite against Mississippi State, with the opening line at -24.5 and the current line at Tennessee -24. Stay tuned for more updates on the Miss State vs. Tennessee Prediction in NCAAF Betting Picks.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bulldogs +1200 | Volunteers -2800
• Spread: Bulldogs +24 (-110) | Volunteers -24 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 61 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tennessee will win straight-up is 97%.

Mississippi St. vs Tennessee Stats

Mississippi St. Bulldogs

Mississippi State's 2024 offense, under new head coach Jeff Lebby, employs a fast-paced "Veer and Shoot" system focused on high-output passing. Quarterback Blake Shapen has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, while wideouts like Kevin Coleman Jr. and Jordan Mosley have been crucial to the offense's success. The team averages close to 400 total yards per game, with a balanced attack of around 143 rushing yards and over 250 passing yards. However, consistency, especially on third-down conversions, remains a challenge against SEC defenses. On the defensive side, a shift to a 3-3-5 scheme led by first-year coordinator Coleman Hutzler has resulted in difficulties, allowing over 450 yards per game and struggling against both rushing and passing offenses. Despite promising players like Stone Blanton and Isaac Smith, the defense must improve in stopping big plays and managing time on the field. With a power ranking of 109, Mississippi St. currently holds a 2-7 record and ranks 76 in offense, scoring an average of 27.13 points per game, and 125 in defense, giving up an average of 36.38 points per game.

Tennessee Volunteers Analysis

Tennessee's offense, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson, utilizes a fast-paced and aggressive style to keep defenses off balance. Their balanced approach includes deep passing plays and a strong rushing attack, supported by solid offensive line protection. Despite struggles in the red zone, the Volunteers maintain high production and scoring potential against tough SEC defenses. On the defensive side, Tennessee excels in red-zone stops and limiting third-down conversions, led by key playmakers like James Pearce Jr. and Jermod McCoy. Their aggressive blitzes and disciplined secondary play result in high turnover rates and success against high-scoring offenses. Overall, Tennessee holds a power ranking of 9 with a strong offense ranking of 12 and a top-three defense ranking. In their last three matchups against Mississippi State, the Volunteers have gone 2-1.

Tennessee's Strategic Tempo Control and Strong Defense Position Them for Victory Against Mississippi State

Tennessee's strength in controlling tempo and maintaining lengthy offensive possessions proves advantageous in placing consistent pressure on opposing defenses, especially those that have difficulty with both deep passes and run containment. This strategic approach aligns well with the playing style of Mississippi State. Additionally, Tennessee's defense has been effective in minimizing opponents' scoring chances, yielding less than 20 points to every team faced so far. With an experienced offensive line and a proactive defensive game plan, Tennessee is well-positioned to secure a victory in this matchup, as indicated by the point spread of -23.5 in favor of Tennessee.

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