Mississippi State limped into Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium last November as a 2-7 football team, with its only victories at the expense of Eastern Kentucky and Massachusetts.
Jeff Lebby’s Bulldogs will host the No. 15 Volunteers on Saturday seeking their first 5-0 start since 2014, when Dak Prescott quarterbacked them to a 9-0 record that was accompanied by a No. 1 ranking for the first time in program history. Mississippi State has feasted on the likes of Southern Miss, Alcorn State and Northern Illinois this season, but the Bulldogs also have a victory over reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State.
“They’ve taken a big jump,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “Coach Lebby and his staff have done a really good job. With the guys who were with them last year, you can see the development physically, technically and in their understanding of their scheme. They brought in some transfers who are making a difference for them as well.
“Collectively, as an entire football team in year two, they have an understanding of how to win.”
Saturday’s game between the Vols, who are 3-1 overall and 0-1 in Southeastern Conference play, and the Bulldogs is scheduled to kick off at 4:15 p.m. Eastern on the SEC Network.