Mississippi State football (2-7, 0-5 SEC) heads up to Rocky Top on Saturday to take on #7 Tennessee (7-1, 4-1 SEC) in Knoxville. Here's what to know ahead of the matchup...
Game time and TV channel for Mississippi State football vs Tennessee
Mississippi State football's visit to Neyland Stadium is set to kickoff at 6:00 PM CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek will be on the call for the game.
Mississippi State at Tennessee point spread
The Bulldogs are a massive underdog in Knoxville this weekend. As on Wednesday night, the Volunteers are 24-point favorites over Mississippi State according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is currently set at 61.
Injury report for Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Tennessee Volunteers
At this point, the majority of injuries for Mississippi State are for players who have already been out for an extended period of time. We learned last week the DL Kalvin Dinkins and OL Canon Boone are done for the year. We do not know if either DL Kedrick Bingley-Jones or RB Keyvone Lee will return at any point in the final weeks. There is some good news however, as both WR Mario Craver and DL De'Monte Russell are listed as "probable" for Saturday.
For Tennessee, starting LB Keenan Pili was lost for the year a few weeks ago. Backup RB DeSean Bishop is out vs MSU, and DL Tyre West is questionable.
Weather forecast in Knoxville on Saturday
The early forecast looks good during the day in Knoxville with temperatures in the mid-70s under partly sunny skies with just a light breeze. Cloud cover will increase into the evening with temperatures in the 60s during the game. There is a slight chance for showers, with those chances increasing further into the evening, so having rain gear handy may be smart just in case.
FPI prediction for Mississippi State at Tennessee
ESPN analytics don't like State's chances much in Knoxville. FPI gives the Bulldogs just a 6% chance of spoiling the Volunteer's season.
Mississippi State football vs Tennessee score prediction
Just like the Vegas oddsmakers and FPI, I don't think State has much of a chance against Tennessee. The Volunteer defense may be the best the Bulldog offense has seen, and Neyland Stadium is a ridiculously tough place to play. And I don't have any faith in State's defense to keep Tennessee contained.
Mississippi State loses 41-16