Mississippi State Preview: JT’s 3 Keys to Success

Tennessee is coming off a huge victory against rival Florida. Can the Vols keep it up by getting a big road win against a ranked opponent? Thursday, that ranked opponent is #20 Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are coming off of a tough game against Arkansas losing 98-88. So what does Tennessee have to do to increase their losing streak? Well, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? I’ve got three keys to success for you below:

1. Crash the Glass 

This is always a key for the Vols.  When UT rebounds well, they play well. Remember Maui? This is going to be a tough thing to do against MSU. Bulldog Foreword Arnett Moultrie has been an absolute terror down low averaging 11.3 rebounds per game. It is going to be up to Maymon and Hall to dig deep and steal some of these boards from Moultrie by not allowing many offensive rebounds and getting put backs on the offensive end. Again, inside play has been a key to success for the Vols all year, but it has for MSU as well. Whoever wins this battle may be the deciding factor in this game.

2. Play Cuonzo’s Defense

Cuonzo Martin loves defense. We know this. I think we can all agree that UT’s defense has improved drastically from last year under Bruce Pearl. The defense shown against Florida led to numerous bad shots for UF and a shooting percentage of .357.  Tennessee needs to keep Mississppi State’s shooting percentage low and force some turnovers. In MSU’s losses, they have scored 68, 54, and 88. With the exception of the Arkansas game (which was on the road), every loss has been low scoring which is in favor of UT. Let’s be honest, the Vols aren’t score a lot of points right now.

3. Stay Cool

Winning on the road is tough, regardless of what sport you are playing, especially in College and basketball is no different. Tennessee can attest to this; with the exception of a blow out victory over Chaminade, UT has yet to win a single game away from Thompson-Boling Arena. Starkville isn’t the toughest place to play in the world but it is by no means easy. UT needs to keep it’s cool and not make (as my high school coach would call it) “bonehead mistakes” and stupid turnovers; that can kill a team. When their defense forces a turnover, it’s one thing, but there aren’t many things more poisonous to a team than unforced turnovers, especially a young team like Tennessee.

I’m not sure if you can look over a road game against a ranked team, but if you can it will be easy for the Vols to look over Mississippi State being placed between Florida and Kentucky. I don’t think Coach Martin will let that happen but it is something to consider. Mississippi State is a good ball club and is fighting right now for the title of 2nd best team in the SEC behind Kentucky. After that loss to Arkansas, you know that they will come out motivated and have the fan base behind then 100%. It will be a true test but if the Vols can rebound, play good defense, and not lose their cool, then I think Tennessee has a great shot to get their first road win.

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