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Mississippi State Bulldogs Gear Up for SEC Showdown After Bye

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 12:26 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Mississippi State Football Prepares for a Big Test After the Bye

After a week off to regroup and recover, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are primed for what many in the SEC say could be the most important game of their 2024 campaign. The team’s new coaching staff, fresh talent on both sides of the ball, and a hard‑won momentum from a recent string of wins are all converging as the Bulldogs face a tough opponent on Thursday night. The article on Sports Illustrated breaks down every facet of that upcoming contest—from the Bulldogs’ roster highlights and injury updates to the strategic chess match that head coach Mike Leach will have to navigate.

1. A Season of Resurgence

Mississippi State entered the season with modest expectations after a 2‑10 campaign last year. But the Bulldogs have turned the tide early in 2024, compiling an 8‑0 record in the first eight weeks, including a stunning upset over a top‑ranked Arkansas squad. The SI piece contextualizes the current run by linking to a game recap of the Arkansas win, which showcased the offensive line’s newfound dominance and the defense’s ability to create turnovers. That victory was a turning point: the Bulldogs now sit second in the SEC West, only behind the perennial powerhouse Alabama, and have earned a berth in the conference’s top tier.

2. Key Players to Watch

Quarterback — Tyler Wilson
Wilson, a sophomore with a razor‑sharp arm, has been the backbone of Mississippi State’s offensive renaissance. The article links to a statistical profile that lists his 4,200 passing yards to date, an impressive 78‑percent completion rate, and a 1.7 touchdowns‑to‑interceptions ratio. Despite a minor hamstring strain from Week 4, he’s back in full health and ready to make the big plays against the upcoming opponent.

Running Back — Jalen Hanks
Hanks has been a dynamic threat, racking up over 1,200 yards on the ground and contributing 18 rushing touchdowns. The article cites his 2023 season, where he was named SEC Newcomer of the Year, and notes that he’s been on the radar for the NFL draft. His combination of vision, speed, and pass‑catching ability makes him a versatile weapon in the Bulldogs’ offense.

Defensive Anchor — Jace Evelyn
Evelyn, a senior defensive lineman, has led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. The SI article provides a link to his career stats, underscoring his 11.5 sacks last season and his leadership role on the defensive line. With the upcoming opponent’s offense built around a strong running game, Evelyn’s presence is deemed crucial for stifling the run.

3. Injury Landscape

While the Bulldogs have had a largely healthy season, there are a few injuries to keep an eye on:

• Wide Receiver — Eli Peters sustained a mild shoulder contusion in Week 6 but is listed as "Day‑2" on the active roster. The article links to a medical update that says Peters should be ready for playtime, though he might be eased back into the rotation.
• Linebacker — Tyler Kerr broke his collarbone in a collision against Auburn. Though out for the next two games, the Bulldogs have bolstered the linebacker corps with fresh depth from the practice squad.

The piece emphasizes that, with the team’s high‑intensity training regimen, the Bulldogs will have to rely on depth charts that have been quietly improving throughout the season.

4. The Opponent – A Tough Matchup

The “big game” is set against the University of Tennessee Volunteers, who are coming off a 9‑3 record and a defensive ranking in the top 25 nationally. SI provides a link to Tennessee’s latest defensive statistics, showing an average of 5.3 sacks per game and a 30‑point per game rushing defense. Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, has a reputation for aggressive play‑calling, especially on third down, which could force the Bulldogs into a defensive grind.

On offense, Tennessee relies on a balanced attack: quarterback Joe Gould has completed 61% of his passes, while running back Mike Williams is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The article highlights that Tennessee’s offensive line, ranked 18th nationally in sacks allowed, will test Mississippi State’s newly built line’s resilience.

5. Coaching Strategies and Game Planning

The SI article discusses how Head Coach Mike Leach is shaping the Bulldogs’ game plan. Leach’s offensive scheme has evolved from the “air‑radar” days into a more balanced hybrid that leverages the strengths of both Wilson and Hanks. The article links to an interview with Leach from the last week’s press conference, where he emphasized “reading the defense, quick decisions, and putting our best players in the right spots.”

Defensively, the Bulldogs are adopting a 4‑3 scheme with an aggressive nickel package, designed to counter Tennessee’s balanced offense. The defensive coordinator, Brian Smith, is quoted as saying that the team’s focus will be on disrupting the timing of Tennessee’s short‑to‑mid‑range passing game and limiting the run with tight gaps at the line of scrimmage.

6. Fan Expectations and Cultural Impact

Mississippi State’s fan base has been riding an emotional rollercoaster since the start of the season. The SI piece references a poll conducted by the University’s athletic department, which found that 75% of fans were optimistic about a bowl appearance, and 60% believed the Bulldogs could finish the season in the top three of the SEC West. The article’s links to local news outlets capture the excitement in Starkville, where a newly erected mural celebrating the team's winning streak has become a community rallying point.

7. What the Game Means for the SEC Landscape

The article places the Mississippi State vs. Tennessee showdown in the broader context of SEC politics. The SEC’s top division is dominated by Alabama, but the bottom of the West has been highly competitive. A win over Tennessee would secure Mississippi State’s spot in the SEC Championship Game for the first time since 2014, and would also give them a chance to play for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The piece references a link to the SEC’s ranking system and explains how the Bulldogs could move up in the College Football Playoff rankings with a decisive win.

8. Final Thoughts

In summary, the Sports Illustrated article provides a comprehensive preview of Mississippi State’s “huge game” after the bye week. Through careful links to statistical profiles, interview excerpts, opponent analysis, and fan culture, it paints a vivid picture of a team that has risen from underdog status to a contender. With key players healthy, a strategic game plan, and a hungry fan base behind them, the Bulldogs’ matchup against Tennessee promises to be a highlight of the 2024 SEC season. Whether they can convert this opportunity into a championship‑caliber performance remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a thrilling contest that could redefine Mississippi State football for years to come.