Tennessee Volunteers Dominate with Nine Straight Games Under 20 Points
- Tennessee Volunteers, ranked seventh, have experienced first-half offensive issues this season.
- Mississippi State Bulldogs are looking to build on their first victory and improve their SEC record.
- The outcome of the game will impact both teams as they continue through the conference season.
The Tennessee Volunteers are preparing for a matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Tennessee, currently ranked seventh, has experienced first-half offensive struggles, having been shut out in three games this season against Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama. This matchup comes as Mississippi State aims to build momentum after breaking a seven-game losing streak, looking to secure their first SEC victory of the season. Mississippi State's offense averages 29.1 points per game but faces challenges on defense, conceding 34.6 points per game. Key players for Mississippi State include running backs Davon Booth and Johnnie Daniels, who need to perform effectively to help quarterback Michael Van Buren establish a passing game that averages 255.2 yards. Tennessee’s defense has been formidable, leading in several national categories by allowing the second-fewest offensive touchdowns with just ten, a mark tied with Ohio State. This defensive performance has been crucial in their success this season, including a streak of nine games where they held their opponents to under 20 points, which dates back to last year's Citrus Bowl win against Iowa. As the Volunteers face Mississippi State, they will need to address their slow starts while leveraging their strong defensive capabilities to control the game and secure a victory. The outcome of this matchup will have implications for both teams as they navigate their respective conference challenges.