Mississippi State vs. Vanderbilt Game Preview
Nov 8, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) passes during the first half against the Florida Gators at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Bulldogs last home game of the year, Senior night, vs. Vanderbilt. The Commodores come in with a 3-7 record but win-less in the SEC. State is a 30 point favorite in this one. Game time is set for 6:30 CST to be broadcast by the SEC Network.
Stats comparison
MSU rushing offense: 243 YPG (20th) vs. Vandy rushing defense: 175 YPG (82nd)
MSU passing offense: 270 YPG (36th) vs. Vandy passing defense: 231 YPG (73rd)
Vandy rushing offense: 114 YPG (113rd) vs. MSU rushing defense: 126 YPG (21st)
Vandy passing offense: 182 YPG (107th) vs. MSU passing defense: 292 YPG (122nd)
Yeah, it’s a mis-match.
VANDY IS STILL A SEC TEAM
It pretty much feels like this is a non-conference game, right? Vanderbilt has fallen back down the deep dark hole they were in for so many years before they had some good years with Bobby Johnson and really good years with James Franklin. But they’ve had a bye week to prepare and you know they are eager to notch a conference win in their last two games of the season.
Vanderbilt won two more SEC games than Mississippi State did from 2011-2013. Seriously. They won 11 while MSU only won 9. There are plenty of players left from those teams on this Vandy team. They aren’t going to just roll over because they are massive underdogs. Vandy may be Vandy, but they are a SEC team and have good players. The Dawgs have to stay focused and take care of business.
STYLE POINTS MATTER
Mississippi State is no longer an undefeated #1, able to withstand everyone’s best shot and so long as they survive they advance. Things are different now with a blemished record. #4 in the playoff rankings and the inability to control your own destiny for a conference championship clearly means the Bulldogs need style points. That means crush Vandy into oblivion.
State can’t just win this game, they have to win it big. They have to put a stamp on this game that says a team worthy of being in the College Football Playoff played tonight.
TCU narrowly escaped a similarly mediocre Kansas team last week. They were #4, now they are #5. Let’s not have that happen to us.
SEND THE SENIORS OUT WITH A PIECE OF MSU HISTORY
It’s senior night, and this team has a chance to make history. Never before in 110 years of football has Mississippi State won 10 regular season games. Never before. That can happen in this game.
This has been a tremendous season. Take care of business against an inferior team.