Few things in college football are more fragile than a playoff spot and for Tennessee, Mississippi State isn’t just a must-win.
It’s a must-fix.
Jeff Lebby’s team is off to its best start since Dak Prescott, and they share some of the same strengths as Georgia. For Tennessee, that’s bad news.
One of the Vols’ biggest issue right now: They can’t get off the field on late downs.
In their two toughest games, opponents are converting nearly 50% on late downs.
State’s averaging over 200 rushing yards per game and running back Fluff Bothwell is a key reason why. To put into perspective, he has almost identical yardage to Tennessee’s own Star Thomas.
To stop the run, the Vols defensive line has to level up.
Tennessee’s rush defense ranks 26th nationally, allowing just under 100 yards a game. However, in their toughest matchups, that number’s higher.
Tennessee has been missing Jaxson Moi and Daevin Hobbs on the line.
Although according to Moi’s Instagram, the D-Lineman seems to be hinting towards a return to the field soon!
So, the battle in the trenches between Tennessee and Mississippi State became just that much more intense and defensive lineman Bryson Eason welcomes the challenge.
“That’s literally what I love to do,” exclaimed Eason. “I love to defend the run, take on double-teams, slant to a double-team, whatever it may be. So just be aggressive, be very violent on the line of scrimmage. Really looking forward to that.”
In Power 4 games, Tennessee’s given up 18 rushing first downs.
Georgia had their fair share and their quarterback was a key part of that.
More than that, Georgia had a ton of success running it right up the middle.
Linebacker Jeremiah Telander said he’s expecting State’s QB Blake Shapen to be just as involved.
“He’s a playmaker,” said Telander. “He’s probably the fastest quarterback we’ve played against so far. They like to use him in all phases of the game. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but we’re really excited.”
Eye discipline will be a key factor and Jalen McMurrary could be the difference there.
Shapen threw for nearly 300 yards against Arizona State, and right now, Tennessee ranks near the bottom nationally in pass defense.
“(McMurray’s) got great eye discipline, he’s going to stick his face in there and make plays,” said Heupel following its UAB victory.
Brenen Thomas and Anthony Evans have been some of Shapen’s favorite targets through four games.
Now, let’s zoom out to the big picture: the playoff race.
Mississippi State might not be ranked, yet, but they got over 100 votes in the Week 5 AP Poll Top 25.
They’ll face Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas later this season.
If Tennessee wins Saturday, and State plays those common opponents close, that win starts aging really well.
A résumé-builder. And Tennessee needs those.
The playoff committee isn’t just looking at who you beat, they’re looking at how your wins and losses age.
