The CheckerBoard

Really good analysis and write-up as usual. Being Captain Obvious, the O-Line is where this game will be won or lost. If Neal has some seams and Bray has time to look over the field, I see Tennessee winning in a shoot-out, aka TN/GA. If Coach Sal has figured out how to contain on outside runs, the Vols may win comfortably. GO BIG ORANGE!

"Mullen’s never really had a big win like the name “Tennessee” in his career"
He did beat Florida in the swamp, Georgia at home and smashed Michigan in the Gator Bowl. I do believe those teams carry a name just like TN.

I disagree with your evaluation of the two teams. I believe the only real edge that Mississippi State has is the home field. We have better atheletes all over the field. The question is will we come to play and execcute the game plan. Tennessee should win this game by a couple of touchdowns. The importance of the game for the program moving forward is incredibly high. A win and we have turned the corner, a loss and many will jump ship and scream for a new coach. I believe the coach has done an exceptional job of building the program from the shambles left by the two previous coaches. If we had hired Nick Saban instead of Dooley the only additional win is Kentucky last year. The processes Dooley has put in place will stand the test of time. This program is headed in the right direction.A win saturday in a must to continue moving forward in developing current roster and recruiting a new one. Did I say? BIG Game

Looks like this will be a hard ticket to get- I have been looking for a couple of days and haven't seen anything go for less than $150 a ticket. Guess I'll be staying home.

I think this statement was for this year, not overall. Plus, that year you guys beat a 7-5 Florida team and a 6-6 Georgia team. You did beat Michigan but they arent exactly the powerhouse they used to be(since the App St loss). I dont even agree saying a win vs tennessee this year is a 'big' win. It might be big for mullen moving this team forward but its not like a 'big' signature win.

Tennessee is not what it was 7 or 8 seasons ago. We havent been to the SEC championship game since 07. We are moving in the right direction and a win over the bulldogs would be another big step in the right direction.

We need this win just as much if not more that State does.

Defense just too shaky to call..Will be interesting to see how Sal deals with Russell..We aren't having much success rushing four and because the secondary rarely press covers; Russell could have a field day!!! MSU may zone cover which could allow for Neal to have tons of pass catches..To be honest Iam smelling a huge game for CP!! CP is a stronger sideline;outside receiver but if Chaney put him in the slot and put Rodgers wide occasionally it would cause confusion and create mismatches..Anybody covering CP in the slot will give a 8 yard cushion and Bray would simply just have to hit him in stride 4 yards into the route and it's off to the races

UT beat a ranked oppenent when they NC State.

I get what you are saying, but it's the same thing we always hear. Anytime you beat Florida at home its a good game, besides Florida always has the talent and that year they still had Urban who already won 2 NCs. The same Georgia team that recruits in the top 10 every year and still has the same coach. And a Tennessee win is a good win even though you have 2 losses. Your still talking about one of the smaller teams in the SEC winning against the big boys. I think we eventually get there, but it takes longer for us than it does for a Tennessee.

I think the Vols will be able to celebrate with 5 minutes, 37 seconds to go.

I agree about Rajion having a huge day +1. Let MSU blanket our receivers (or try to) for the first quarter or two and Neal shred them up the middle or us hit Rivera or backs out the backfield and (I agree with givehimsixx, also) give CP the ball on a sweep or reverse occasionally. Once they move into the box to stop the run, let Bray & his receivers polish them off.

We are balanced on offense. We don't rely on one or the other. Our mlb is 6'5 and matches up with your TE, Banks is 6'2 and shut down Ashon Jefferies last year so I'm more than confident in his abilities. the rest of our secondary is talented enough to hang with your receiving core. If our d-line gets pressure the game favors us, if not I think it might not end well for my beloved dawgs. We have 3 quality RBs. Perkins would start for any team, except maybe Bama.

Dang it!! Y'all have done it to me again! Just when I was thinking I could make it through the week without elevating my blood pressure you all hit me with this article and these comments. Geesh, now ill be watching my clock extra hard. Hurry up Saturday!!!