Tennessee and Mississippi State Set for SEC Showdown

Starkville MS, September 25, 2025

News Summary

This Saturday, Mississippi State will host No. 15 Tennessee in a highly anticipated SEC matchup at Davis Wade Stadium. With Tennessee looking to recover from a tough loss to Georgia and Mississippi State seeking to maintain their undefeated streak, fans can expect a thrilling game. Both teams will showcase their offensive strategies, but Tennessee’s injury woes could pose challenges. This clash carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.

Tennessee and Mississippi State’s Electric SEC Showdown Is Here!

Get ready, Starkville! This Saturday, Mississippi State will be welcoming No. 15 Tennessee for a thrilling SEC showdown that’s bound to have fans on the edge of their seats. With kickoff set for 4:15 PM EDT at the lively Davis Wade Stadium, this game is one you won’t want to miss.

A Battle of the Titans

As the Tennessee Volunteers come into this matchup with a 3-1 overall record and a 0-1 SEC record, they’re looking to bounce back strong after last week’s nail-biting overtime loss to Georgia with a score of 44-41. Meanwhile, Mississippi State is riding high with an impressive 4-0 record—their first 4-0 start since 2014, when they were led by quarterback Dak Prescott to a College Football Playoff No. 1 ranking.

Historically, Tennessee has had the upper hand, winning eight of the last nine matchups against the Bulldogs, which includes a memorable victory during the 1998 SEC Championship. With such a rich history between these two teams, this game not only promises excitement but also quite the poignant narrative!

Injury Woes and Depth Challenges

But not everything is rosy for Tennessee. The Volunteers are facing some serious injury woes. The injury report lists several players as OUT, including Jermod McCoy, Rickey Gibson, and Daevin Hobbs, among others. There are also a few players on the report as QUESTIONABLE, like David Sanders and Daune Morris. Jaxson Moi, however, is noted as PROBABLE to play, which could bolster their defense against a challenging Bulldogs offense.

Mississippi State has shown remarkable efficiency on offense this season, predominantly showcasing a strong ground game. Tennessee’s defense, on the other hand, has struggled in recent weeks—particularly against the pass—so they’ll need to tighten up that secondary to avoid giving up big plays.

What’s at Stake?

This game carries significant weight for both teams. Tennessee, looking to recover from the tough loss to Georgia, is hungry for a solid win to regain momentum. Mississippi State, with a favorable record and the prospect of tough road games looming ahead against teams like Georgia, Missouri, and Ole Miss, needs to maintain their early-season dynamism. With three out of the next four games on the road, every win counts.

Add in the vibrant atmosphere of a home game in Starkville—with the familiar sound of cowbells ringing out—Tennessee is in for a challenge not only from the Bulldogs but also from the noise generated by their spirited fanbase.

Fast-Paced and High-Scoring?

Both teams’ coaches have indicated that we can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair on Saturday. Neither team is leaning towards the traditional ball control strategy; instead, they’re focusing on maximizing offensive plays. It’s going to be a clash of styles, and each team will strive to impose their game plan on the other.

With all these storylines in play, be sure to tune in to the SEC Network to catch every moment of this thrilling SEC matchup!

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Additional Resources

• On3: Jaxson Moi Injury Updates
• Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
• SI: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Injury Report
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• Vols Wire: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Injury Report
• Google Search: Tennessee 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.