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Ranking the six most difficult games on Mississippi State football's 2024 schedule

These the six most difficult games Mississippi State football will play in 2024.

By Andrew Miller

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws a touchdown pass to Georgia wide receiver Rara Thomas (5) during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws a touchdown pass to Georgia wide receiver Rara Thomas (5) during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The SEC schedule makers didn't do Mississippi State football many favors in 2024. The Bulldogs face one of the most difficult schedules in the country, making things tougher on Jeff Lebby in his first season in Starkville. Which games are the hardest?

1. Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Bulldogs

It doesn't get any tougher than going on the road to face that team that's won two of the last three national championships and is the favorite to win the title again in 2024. Kirby Smart has made Georgia the top program in the sport, and they might have the nation's best QB in Carson Beck. State's in for a rough time when they go to Athens.

2. Mississippi State Bulldogs at Texas Longhorns

It'd be nice if Texas had joined the SEC when they were still massively underachieving like they were just a few years back, but unfortunately, Texas is back. Steve Sarkisian returned the Longhorns to title contention with their playoff appearance a year ago, and the expectation is for them to be right back in the hunt again this year. Austin should be a fun trip for State fans, but the game likely won't be all that fun.

3. Mississippi State Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels

The Egg Bowl always leaves the door open for craziness, and the ties between Lane Kiffin and Jeff Lebby adds to that. So it's impossible to say for sure what will happen. But just on paper, the Rebels are going to be one of the best teams in the SEC in 2024. After a school-record 11 wins, Ole Miss brings back several key contributors and then loaded up with big-time talent in the portal. Judging Lebby's debut season by the Egg Bowl outcome likely isn't the best idea.

4. Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tennessee Volunteers

This is another game with close ties between the staffs. Knoxville is one of the most difficult places to play in the SEC, and this game will be under the lights, adding to the atmosphere. Tennessee might have one of the best defensive lines in the country, and there's a ton of hype around QB Nico Iamaleava running Josh Huepel's offense. Lebby should have some tricks up his sleeve for this one, but it's going to be tough.

5. Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers

Missouri is coming off its best season under Eli Drinkwitz and has a lot of talent back. They're a legitimate playoff contender this fall, and that means getting a win will be a struggle. But it will be Senior Day in Starkville, and State comes off a bye while the Tigers could be in a letdown spot. The Bulldogs might have a real chance here, but it's still not highly likely.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M begins a new era themselves with Mike Elko replacing Jimbo Fisher. There's still a lot of talent on this roster, so if things click, they could have a big year. But the Aggies have some questions too, and recent history has been on Mississippi State's side. They've won 4/5 against A&M in Davis Wade Stadium.

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