The Tennessee Volunteers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs have a long-standing history on the gridiron, dating back nearly a century. While Tennessee has traditionally been among the SEC’s most storied programs, Mississippi State has built its own reputation as a resilient and tough competitor. The matchups between the Volunteers and the Bulldogs have produced memorable games, defining moments, and showcased the intensity of SEC football. Here’s a deep dive into the history of Tennessee football’s battles against Mississippi State.
Tennessee and Mississippi State first met in 1907, with the Volunteers claiming a 17-0 victory. This inaugural game laid the foundation for what would become a heated rivalry. The two teams didn’t face off regularly in the early 20th century, as travel and scheduling were limited in the SEC’s formative years. However, by the 1930s, both programs had established themselves as key players in the conference. Tennessee, under the legendary coaching of Robert Neyland, began to rise as a national powerhouse, while Mississippi State was developing a reputation for producing scrappy, hard-nosed teams.
During the 1940s and ‘50s, Tennessee continued to hold an advantage over Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs would not back down. Mississippi State claimed several hard-fought victories in this era, marking the beginning of a back-and-forth rivalry.
The rivalry between Tennessee and Mississippi State gained intensity in the 1970s and ‘80s as both teams were consistently competitive within the SEC. Tennessee, bolstered by a series of strong recruiting classes and top-notch coaching, usually entered the contests as the favorite. Mississippi State, however, saw these matchups as a chance to prove themselves and often came in as a scrappy underdog.
One of the most memorable games of this period came in 1977, when Mississippi State defeated Tennessee 28-9 in a decisive victory. Tennessee entered that game with high expectations but found itself stymied by Mississippi State’s defense and physicality. This game sent a message to the Volunteers that the Bulldogs would not be an easy hurdle in the conference.
One of the most iconic matchups in the history of Tennessee vs. Mississippi State came in the 1998 SEC Championship Game, which remains a defining moment in Tennessee football history. That season, the Volunteers had a historic year, going undefeated in the regular season and earning a spot in the national championship game. To get there, however, Tennessee needed to defeat Mississippi State in Atlanta.
The 1998 SEC Championship was a hard-fought battle, with the Bulldogs taking a surprising lead late into the third quarter. Mississippi State’s defense managed to hold the Volunteers to just 14 points until late in the game, and an upset seemed possible. However, Tennessee, led by quarterback Tee Martin, rallied in the fourth quarter to score 14 unanswered points, securing a 24-14 victory. That win propelled the Volunteers to the Fiesta Bowl, where they would go on to defeat Florida State and capture the national championship.
In recent years, Tennessee has largely maintained an edge in the series, although the games have generally been competitive. The Volunteers last faced Mississippi State in 2019, where they managed to secure a 20-10 victory at home. That game saw Tennessee’s defense shine, holding the Bulldogs to just 10 points and forcing three turnovers.
Although Tennessee leads the all-time series, the Bulldogs have shown they can keep the games close, especially when they have a strong defense. Mississippi State’s resilience has made the rivalry unpredictable, as the Bulldogs tend to rise to the occasion against the Volunteers, making each game a physical and competitive battle.
Tennessee holds a commanding lead in the all-time series, with over 28 wins compared to Mississippi State’s 16. This statistic reflects Tennessee’s historical strength as a program, as the Volunteers have generally been among the top contenders in the SEC. Mississippi State, however, has had its moments, securing notable victories in seasons where they’ve fielded particularly strong defenses and talented playmakers.
The all-time series reflects Tennessee’s offensive strength against Mississippi State’s defensive prowess. In many of their matchups, the Volunteers’ fast-paced, high-powered offense has clashed with the Bulldogs’ tough, physical defensive units. This contrast has led to many low-scoring, hard-fought games, with Tennessee often prevailing due to their depth and skill players.
Several standout players have made their mark in the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State rivalry. Tennessee legends like Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, and Al Wilson all contributed to key wins over the Bulldogs. Manning, in particular, had a strong performance against Mississippi State during his career, showcasing the elite quarterback play that would later define his NFL career.
For Mississippi State, standout defenders like linebacker K.J. Wright and cornerback Jonathan Banks have made life difficult for Tennessee’s quarterbacks in the past. Mississippi State’s defensive legacy in the rivalry is notable, with several games turning on the Bulldogs’ ability to pressure and disrupt Tennessee’s offensive rhythm.
As the SEC expands and divisions shift, the future of the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State rivalry remains uncertain. With Texas and Oklahoma joining the conference, the scheduling structure may change, potentially reducing the frequency of the matchup. However, both programs have a rich history, and fans on both sides appreciate the significance of the rivalry.
Looking forward, Tennessee’s high-tempo, offensive-driven style under Josh Heupel will continue to clash with Mississippi State’s traditionally defensive approach, now influenced by the Air Raid offense. Future matchups could see explosive offensive battles, with both teams vying for SEC positioning and national recognition.
The Tennessee vs. Mississippi State rivalry is a testament to the competitiveness and tradition of SEC football. While Tennessee holds the upper hand historically, Mississippi State’s resilience and grit have made the Bulldogs a worthy rival. As fans await the next chapter of this storied matchup, they can look back on the memorable moments, star players, and iconic games that have defined this SEC rivalry.