The Tennessee Volunteers are set to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on November 9, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET, making it a key SEC showdown that could have a big impact on both teams’ seasons.
Team Profiles
Tennessee Volunteers
Record: 7-1 (4-1 SEC)
Head Coach: Josh Heupel
The Volunteers are having an awesome season, sitting at No. 7 in the country right now. With Head Coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has built a name for itself with a high-powered offense. They’re putting up more than 35 points a game, proving they can score fast and effectively.
Key Players:
Nico Iamaleava (QB): Iamaleava is a versatile quarterback who can do it all. With a powerful arm and speedy legs, he’s already racked up more than 1,200 passing yards and plays a key role in both the air and ground game.
Dylan Sampson (RB): Sampson is dominating the ground game with a remarkable number of rushing touchdowns, and his speed and agility keep him as a constant danger on the field.
Dante Thornton Jr. (WR): Thornton is a major player in the receiving group, and his ability to stretch the field will be vital when facing Mississippi State’s defense.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Record: 2-7 (0-5 SEC)
Head Coach: Zach Arnett
The Bulldogs are having a tough time this season, currently at the bottom of the SEC standings with no wins in the conference. Even with these struggles, Head Coach Zach Arnett is dedicated to making a change and building resilience in his team.
Key Players:
Blake Shapen (QB): The transfer quarterback has had some standout moments, but he really needs to get more consistent. How well he can read defenses will be key when facing Tennessee’s tough pass rush.
Johnnie Daniels (RB): Daniels might not be the top guy for rushing yards, but he’s super versatile and can really help out in both the running and passing game.
K. Coleman Jr. (WR): Coleman really needs to step up and give Shapen some solid options for those deep throws.
Tactical Breakdown
Tennessee’s Game Plan
Target Defensive Weaknesses: Tennessee needs to take advantage of Mississippi State’s shaky secondary, which has had a tough time this season. Using play-action passes can open up chances for some big gains.
Get the Run Game Going: If Sampson has a solid game, it’ll help set the pace and create more opportunities for Iamaleava to throw. Keeping things balanced will make it tough for Mississippi State’s defense to predict what’s coming next.
Aggressive Defense: Tennessee’s defense needs to really put the heat on Shapen to make him slip up. Generating turnovers will be crucial for keeping the energy up during the game.
Mississippi State’s Game Plan
Control Time of Possession: The Bulldogs should aim to maintain their drives and manage the clock to reduce Tennessee’s chances on offense. This means they need to execute well in both the running game and short passes.
Defensive Adjustments: Mississippi State needs to step up its defense to keep Tennessee’s offense from making big plays. They should consider switching to more zone coverage and adding some blitzes to throw Iamaleava off his game.
Make the Most of Special Teams: Special teams can really make a difference in tight games. Mississippi State should focus on finding chances to get an advantage with returns or by winning the field position game.
This game is a classic showdown of styles: Tennessee’s explosive offense going up against Mississippi State’s focus on strategy and control. The Volunteers are heavily favored thanks to their strong performance lately and depth in every position.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers: 38, Mississippi State Bulldogs: 21
As the teams hit the field, get ready for an electrifying vibe packed with intense football moments that could shape their seasons. It’s going to be an awesome night for fans at Neyland Stadium!