Tennessee football heads on the road for the first time in the 2025 season Saturday afternoon as they prepare to face Mississippi State in a SEC showdown. The Bulldogs are one of the conference’s most improved teams, jumping out to a 4-0 start to the season.
Ahead of each Tennessee game, we’ll talk to someone who covers the Vols’ opponent that week. This week, the Clarion Ledger’s Sam Sklar discussed the Bulldogs’ improvement, quarterback Blake Shapen and much more. Here’s what Sklar had to say.
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How much of Mississippi State’s 4-0 start is the Bulldogs being improved over last year and how much is the weak schedule to begin the year?
“I think it’s a mixture of both but Mississippi State is certainly improved. A healthy Blake Shapen is obviously a big part of it, but he was the quarterback last season when MSU lost 41-17 to Toledo. The Arizona State win was the big validator that Mississippi State is better, even though it’s early to tell how exactly good Arizona State is compared to 2024.
The biggest difference is the defense. Last season’s defense was so bad that Mississippi State had no chance to outscore the deficiencies. All Mississippi State needs is an average defense to pair with Jeff Lebby’s offense.”
What has a healthy Blake Shapen brought to Mississippi State’s offense?
“Maturity, stability and leadership. Blake Shapen is extremely well-respected by his teammates and coaching staff. He can make all the throws needed in Lebby’s offense, and can be an impactful runner.
The Mississippi State offense with Shapen has been at its best in similar circumstances to Tennessee’s with Josh Heupel. It wants to run the ball and mix in downfield shots. MSU has scored touchdowns on all four of its opening drives and has been effective on deep shots.
However, Shapen is coming off one of his worst performances of the season. The MSU passing attack was very out of sync in the first half vs. Northern Illinois, but played better in the second half. It will be interesting to see how he responds.”
Is there a clear weakness or question about Mississippi State’s offense?
“Penalties. Mississippi State has committed 41 this season, tied for the second most in the country. There have been too many false starts, illegal formation and holding penalties. Part of that could be because Mississippi State has had a lot of shuffling at offensive line because of injuries. I think it will be a little more settled this week.”
How would you assess the defense to this point in the season?
“The defense is much improved from last season. It couldn’t really get worse. I am still skeptical though because of who Mississippi State has played so far. I think it’s an average SEC defense.
Improving on the line of scrimmage was a must. Will Whitson was the team’s best pass rusher through 1 ½ games but suffered a season-ending injury against Arizona State. The pass defense has been elite statistically, but MSU hasn’t faced a passing offense close to Tennessee’s level.”
What has Tennessee transfer Jalen Smith’s role been on Mississippi State’s defense?
“Jalen Smith technically isn’t a starter for Mississippi State but has been as impactful as a starter. He’s firmly in the rotation at linebacker and is tied for fourth on the team with 17 tackles. Smith is playing MIKE linebacker with Nic Mitchell, a returning starter who’s been at MSU since 2021.”
What needs to happen for Mississippi State to pull off the upset?
“Mississippi State has to cut back on the penalties. It hasn’t been costly yet, but will be against teams like Tennessee. I also will be watching the MSU pass defense closely. I see this as a prove-it game for the secondary. It will be interesting to see how Joey Aguilar performs in his first SEC road game.”
Score prediction?
Tennessee 32, Mississippi State 26
