The Vols can’t lose focus here.
Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium tonight for a homecoming matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Josh Heupel is set to take on one of his old assistant coaches, with Jeff Lebby currently navigating year one in Starkville.
The Volunteers have to hold serve here as they continue to march toward a bid in the College Football Playoff — especially with Georgia waiting next weekend.
What can you expect on Saturday night? Our picks are live below.
Terry Lambert: Tennessee 38, Mississippi State 17
Is this the week Tennessee can finally put a complete offensive performance together? They won’t get a better chance to do so in conference play. Mississippi State really struggles defensively, giving Nico Iamaleava and the Volunteers a chance to right some wrongs. Iamaleava looked really good last week against Kentucky, but it was the receivers once again letting him down. They should be able to put it all together here.
It’s a potential look ahead spot with a matchup against Georgia looming large next weekend. But I don’t think Mississippi State will have enough defensively to get the job done.
Craig Smith: Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 16.
Another sleepy first half for the Vols, although they finally crack double digits on the scoreboard again going into the locker room. Dylan Sampson and the Tennessee ground game take over in the second half to gradually secure a win that looks good enough to the pundits heading into Georgia.
Matthew Seese: Tennessee 45, Mississippi State 10
All things go right, and this is a tune-up for Georgia. That being said, State has played some very good teams extremely closely. Let’s just…not let that happen. This could be a huge game on the ground as State allows over 5 yards per carry. Dylan Sampson cracks 20 TDs in this one.
Connor Sexton: Tennessee 31, Mississippi State 13
Another night game for the Vols. Tennessee hasn’t played pretty, but it has found a way to win the past three games. No one is disappointed with a 7-1 record in Nico’s first year handling the reins. I am cautious of the 20+ point line for this game. Mississippi State did give A&M, Georgia and Texas fits (to some degree, at least) despite its dismal record of 2-7. Will this be the game where the Tennessee offense finally clicks?
On the other side of the ball, the Volunteer’s defensive line is poised to dine on another weaker line of scrimmage from the opposition. State is No. 14 in sacks allowed and rushing yards in the SEC. Watch out for the air raid offense, though. It did throw for 300+ yards against Georgia- in Athens. The Big Orange takes care of business on homecoming weekend ahead of a big showdown in Athens looming.