Starkville MS, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Starkville is alive with anticipation as the Tennessee Volunteers take on the undefeated Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. With Tennessee holding a solid 3-1 record and a recent victory over UAB, they aim to maintain their momentum. Mississippi State, undefeated and strong at home, looks to defend their perfect season. Key players will be in focus as both teams prepare for this crucial SEC matchup.
Starkville Set for SEC Showdown: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement as the tennessee volunteers prepare to clash with the undefeated mississippi state bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Kickoff is set for 4:15 PM ET, and fans are eager to catch all the action on the SEC Network.
Entering the matchup, Tennessee holds a solid record of 3-1, putting them at #15 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Volunteers are riding high following a dominant 56-24 victory against the UAB Blazers, showcasing their fierce offensive strength. In that game, Tennessee racked up impressive stats, recording a whopping 275 passing yards and 239 rushing yards. Quarterback Joey Aguilar has been instrumental in leading the charge, boasting a completion rate of 66.7%, with 1,124 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions this season.
On the other side of the field, the Bulldogs are enjoying their undefeated season, holding a record of 4-0, with a perfect 3-0 record at home this season. Their recent win against Northern Illinois was a show of strength, finishing the game with a score of 38-10. Blake Shapen, at the helm for the Bulldogs, displayed remarkable poise without any turnovers, leading his team to compete fiercely. Mississippi State has been a powerhouse on the ground, rushing for an impressive 292 yards against the Huskies.
Stats and Rankings Stack Up
This season, Tennessee has been a scoring machine, ranking 2nd nationally with a total of 214 points and making waves with their air attack, ranking 5th in passing yards with a total of 1,351 yards. Their defense is equally commendable, sitting at 3rd in sacks with 15 and 4th in interceptions with 3, proving they can turn the tide in crucial moments.
Conversely, Mississippi State has accumulated 159 points this season, ranking 14th in overall scoring. Their defense has been a stellar unit, allowing only 47 points, placing them 24th nationally, creating a formidable barrier for any offense that crosses their path. Key players for the Bulldogs include running back Fluff Bothwell, who has amassed 271 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who leads the team with 291 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Betting Odds and Projections
Looking at the betting landscape, Tennessee is currently favored by 7.5 points against Mississippi State. Analysts believe Tennessee’s robust offensive capabilities are likely to cover the spread, especially given that their recent games have consistently gone over the total, showing a 7-0 over/under record in their last seven outings. Meanwhile, Mississippi State boasts a solid 21-7 over/under record at home over their last 28 games.
The projected outcome of this high-stakes clash suggests Tennessee might edge out with a score of 38-28, leading to a combined score of 66 points. A crucial detail in this matchup will be how Tennessee’s defense, especially their pass rush, holds up against Mississippi State’s offensive line.
What to Watch For
Returning to Starkville brings back memories for Tennessee, as their last visit in 2012 ended in a 41-31 defeat. With a raucous home crowd expected, Tennessee will need to maintain solid communication to minimize penalties in the loud atmosphere. Coach Josh Heupel will aim to keep the rhythm going for his team against the diverse strategic approaches that Mississippi State will deploy on defense.
As fans gear up for this exciting SEC showdown, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Tennessee Volunteers continue their upward momentum, or will the Mississippi State Bulldogs keep their undefeated streak alive? Only time will tell!
FAQ
When will the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State game take place?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a kickoff at 4:15 PM ET.
Where can fans watch the game?
Fans can watch the game on the SEC Network.
What are the current records of Tennessee and Mississippi State?
Tennessee enters the matchup with a 3-1 record, while Mississippi State is undefeated with a 4-0 record.
Who are the key players to watch for in this game?
For Tennessee, watch out for quarterback Joey Aguilar. For Mississippi State, look out for running back Fluff Bothwell and wide receiver Brenen Thompson.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Tennessee Volunteers | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-1 | 4-0 |
| Last Game Result | d 56-24 win over UAB | d 38-10 win over Northern Illinois |
| Points Scored | 214 (2nd nationally) | 159 (14th nationally) |
| Passing Yards | 1,351 (5th nationally) | 444 yards per game (39th nationally) |
| Sacks | 15 (3rd nationally) | N/A |
| Interceptions | 3 (4th nationally) | N/A |
| Key Players | QB Joey Aguilar | RB Fluff Bothwell, WR Brenen Thompson |
| Betting Favorite | Favored by 7.5 points | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Fluff Bothwell’s Inspiring Journey with the Bulldogs
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Mississippi State Bulldogs Set to Face Northern Illinois
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Tennessee Vols Injury Update
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Knox News: SEC Football Game Live Updates
- Google Search: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Rocky Top Insider: Tennessee at Mississippi State Game Simulation
- Google Scholar: SEC Football
- On3: Jaxson Moi Injury Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- A to Z Sports: Former Tennessee OL Suggestion for Vols Fans
- Google News: 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.
