Starkville, Mississippi, September 23, 2025
News Summary
No. 15 Tennessee football travels to Starkville to take on undefeated Mississippi State in their first road game of the season. Following a dominant win over UAB, Tennessee aims to maintain poise in the intense atmosphere of Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State boasts a perfect 4-0 record and plans to wear all-white uniforms for a white-out game, while Tennessee opts for orange jerseys. This highly anticipated matchup is a critical test for both teams as they navigate the challenges of SEC competition.
Starkville, Mississippi – No. 15 Tennessee football is set to play its first road game of the 2025 season against Undefeated Mississippi State. The highly anticipated game is scheduled for Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium, the venue known for its intense atmosphere. This marks Tennessee’s first trip to Starkville since 2012, adding to the significance of the matchup.
Tennessee enters this contest fresh off a commanding victory against UAB, finishing with a score of 56-24. Head coach Josh Heupel has stressed the importance of preparation and maintaining poise when competing in hostile environments, referencing the unique challenges posed by away games.
Mississippi State is currently enjoying a strong start to the season, boasting an undefeated record of 4-0 for the first time since 2014. Heupel pointed out the need for excellent communication on the field, particularly in the noisy conditions of Starkville, where the traditional use of cowbells adds to the crowd noise. The team’s success on offense hinges on synchronization among offensive linemen, effective targeting, and handling the decibel levels that are expected on game day.
Mississippi State’s roster has made significant strides in recent years, thanks in part to depth development and key additions from the transfer portal. Heupel acknowledged the Bulldogs’ efficient offense, characterized by explosive passing plays and a robust special teams performance, which will test Tennessee’s defensive capabilities.
In a unique twist, the Bulldogs plan to wear all-white uniforms as part of a white-out game, commemorating their 2000 Independence Bowl team. In contrast, Tennessee intends to wear orange uniforms, diverging from their traditional scheme, as they will not don their customary white jerseys for this road game. The last occasion Tennessee failed to wear white jerseys on the road was against LSU in 2022.
Heupel noted that winning in the Southeastern Conference requires consistent performance every Saturday, increasing the stakes for both teams. Although Tennessee’s defense has made progress in communication, there remain concerns about maintaining tempo against Mississippi State’s dynamic offense. Freshman defensive back Sidney Walton has emerged as a promising talent, demonstrating maturity while contributing to both special teams and the secondary.
The matchup is expected to be a true test for Tennessee, which has a 73.7% chance of victory according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). Nolan Analytics predicts Tennessee will win by a score of 34-21, highlighting the competitive nature of this pivotal game.
As the game day approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Tennessee will respond to the challenges posed by Mississippi State, particularly in the energetic and charged atmosphere typified by the white-out environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State football game scheduled?
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium.
What is the significance of this game for Tennessee?
This game marks Tennessee’s first road game of the 2025 season and its first trip to Starkville since 2012.
What is Mississippi State’s current record?
Mississippi State is currently 4-0 for the first time since 2014.
What uniform colors will Tennessee and Mississippi State wear for the game?
Mississippi State will wear all-white uniforms as a tribute to their 2000 Independence Bowl team, while Tennessee plans to wear orange uniforms, as they will not use their traditional white jerseys.
What are the predictions for the game?
Tennessee has a 73.7% chance of victory according to ESPN FPI, while Nolan Analytics predicts Tennessee will win the game by a score of 34-21.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | No. 15 Tennessee |
| Opponent | Mississippi State |
| Date | Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET |
| Stadium | Davis Wade Stadium |
| Tennessee’s Last Game | Defeated UAB 56-24 |
| Mississippi State Record | 4-0 |
| Tennessee Prediction Percentage | 73.7% chance of victory |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tennessee Football Faces Mississippi State in Starkville
Mississippi State Football Announces Annual SEC Opponents
Tennessee Opens as 8.5-Point Favorite Against Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Remain Unranked Despite Undefeated Start
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Northern Illinois in 38-10 Victory
Mississippi State Soccer Team Ends Winning Streak with Draw Against Auburn
Mississippi State Football Aims for 4-0 Start
Mississippi State University Dominates Northern Illinois in Starkville
Mississippi State Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against NIU
Additional Resources
- Rocky Top Insider
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Search: Tennessee football
- Vols Wire
- Google Scholar: Tennessee football predictions
- AtoZ Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee college football
- 247 Sports
- Google News: Tennessee Mississippi State football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
