College Football Week 7: Tennessee At #19 Mississippi State

Tennessee

Mississippi State

We’ll see if Derek Dooley made good use of a bye week. Last time out, Tennessee’s turnovers cost it a chance at an upset over Georgia. A loss on Saturday and the Volunteers might not win more than two or three SEC games.	Coaching	It seems just about every coach with Florida ties is doing well this season and that certainly applies to Dan Mullen, whose Bulldogs are 5-0. This is their toughest test yet, however.
The numbers look good, but turnovers doomed the Vols down the stretch against Georgia. Tyler Bray was intercepted twice and lost a fumble in the final six minutes of the game. If it can limit the giveaways this offense should have no problems.	Offense	The Bulldogs have posted more than 400 yards per game, but that’s good for just 65th in the country. First-year starter Tyler Russell is completing only 56 percent of his throws, but the offense hasn’t hurt itself with turnovers (just four so far).
In its two conference games (both losses), Tennessee gave up 37 and 44 points. The Vols weren’t able to stop the run against either SEC foe.	Defense	Mississippi State is 26th in the country in yards allowed and is sixth in forced turnovers. The defense has looked very strong so far this season but Tennessee is the best offense it has faced.
The Vols are 8 of 10 on field goals and have some dangerous returners. Their average punt yardage ranks near the bottom of the country.	Special Teams	The Bulldogs are going with a freshman kicker (he is 6 of 9 on field goals) and have been subpar in most areas of special teams.

The winner is

Tennessee

2 out of 4

The push here shows how competitive this game should be. Can Mississippi State keep up with the high-scoring Vols? Don’t be surprised if Tennessee pulls off the minor upset.

-Andrew Kahn, College Football Contributor

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