With the way Tennessee football has looked through four games this season, it's easy for people to be feeling pretty confident leading up to Week 5 against Mississippi State. Surely another dominant win is going to be on the way this weekend, right?
Yes, we have a feeling that the Vols are going to take care of business, but it's also a matchup that no one and we mean no one can overlook. Remember last year when Tennessee traveled to Arkansas and suffered an upset loss?
Chris Brazzell II quietly joined the Tennessee record books in win over UAB
That's got to be on the mind of people leading up to this Saturday's trip to Starkville. Yes, Mississippi State isn't considered one of the top teams in the SEC, but the Bulldogs are still 4-0 on the year and they've been scoring at will on offense. Tim Banks is going to have his hands full.
Tennessee football can't afford to overlook Mississippi State in Week 5
One game in particular should stand out this season for MSU, of course being the upset win at home against then No. 12 Arizona State. It was a stunning result and it proved that Mississippi State has what it takes to take down a heavily-favored team whenever it takes the field in front of its hometown fans.
Quarterback Blake Shapen has tossed for 884 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. On the ground, running back Fluff Bothwell has rushed for 271 yards and four scores, while Davon Booth has added three TDs too.
At receiver, Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans II have been go-to options and they'll both prove to be tough matchups for cornerbacks Colton Hood and Ty Redmond. Redmond, a true freshman, will continue to need to play beyond his years against a talented offense.
As for the Tennessee O, it needs to be business as usual for quarterback Joey Aguilar, Chris Brazzell II, Mike Matthews and others. Could we see Star Thomas, Peyton Lewis and DeSean Bishop take over things in the second half with the three leading the rushing attack? That's on the table.
Soon enough, Tennessee will hit the field for its toughest road showdown of the season. We're about to learn a lot about the Vols, as Davis Wade Stadium is going to be rockin' for Saturday's tilt. What will Aguilar and Co. have in store for the Bulldogs? Fans will find out come Saturday.