Mississippi State basketball tips-off the 2024-2025 season in just a few days. This is a massive season for Chris Jans and the Bulldogs, as they're looking to not only reach their third-straight NCAA Tournament but make serious noise in March.
So on their path to what will hopefully be a breakthrough year, what are the most important games Mississippi State will play?
Home vs Pittsburgh, December 4
State plays some notable non-conference games in November against the likes of Utah, SMU, UNLV, and then either Butler or Northwestern. But one of the biggest games on the non-conference slate comes in early December when Pittsburgh comes to town. The Panthers are coming off consecutive 20+ win seasons, and they're expected to be a tournament contender again this year. This is a chance for a big non-conference win early in the season that should be a big boost to the resume, and it'd be nice to get revenge for that crushing loss to Pitt in the First Four two years ago.
Away vs Memphis, December 21
Speaking of big non-conference games, State travels to the FedExFourm just before Christmas for a massive matchup with Memphis. The Bulldogs haven't played the Tigers since their infamous 2008 NCAA Tournament battle, and with this being a regional opponent that's a significant name in college hoops, State fans have to be excited. Memphis hasn't lived up to expectations under Penny Hardaway, but they're loaded with talent and will once again challenge for a tournament bid. Road non-conference wins over good teams are like gold when it comes to building out a tournament resume. A win in Memphis would go a long way.
Home vs Kentucky, January 11
John Calipari is now in Fayetteville, and he leaves Kentucky having never lost to MSU in the regular season. Now, Mark Pope takes over his alma mater, and while the Cats should be good, it's unclear how good they'll be. This is State's first major SEC matchup after the new year, and with Kentucky coming to the Hump under a new HC, there's no better time for the Bulldogs to get their first regular season win over UK since 2009. A win here would set the tone for conference play and make it clear State is ready to make real noise in the league.
Home vs Ole Miss, January 18
Of course at least one game against these guys was going to be on the list. Ole Miss has high expectations in year two under Chris Beard. In fact, pundits seem to believe in the Rebels more than they do State. This will be State's chance to prove them wrong. Obviously these teams will rematch in Oxford later in the season, but for MSU to get momentum early in conference play and make clear who still runs this state, they need to hold serve against their rivals in Starkville.
Home vs Texas, March 4
I could have gone a number of ways for my last choice, but I'll go with State's home finale against Texas. The Longhorns make their SEC debut this season, and Rodney Terry's squad has tons of scoring options. The Horns are yet another team expected to be good this year, and there's a good chance this game is important for both sides as they work to finalize their tournament resumes. A win over Texas in March should ideally be the finishing touch on the Bulldogs' resume to lock them into the Big Dance.