The SEC announced that the kickoff time and broadcast details for Tennessee football’s upcoming game against Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium have been updated. The game will kick off at either 7 or 7:45 p.m. ET, with ESPN or the SEC Network televising the matchup. Oklahoma at Missouri is the other game that has been flexed into this spot. Missouri is on a bye week, while Oklahoma will be playing Maine in Norman. Since Mississippi State is facing UMass this week, if Tennessee manages to beat Kentucky, it is likely that their game will be aired at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Tennessee’s final SEC home game of the 2024 season was already scheduled for a night slot (6-8 p.m. ET), but the specific details were confirmed on Monday afternoon.
The Vols and Bulldogs have had contrasting seasons so far. Tennessee, with a 6-1 (4-1 SEC) record, is in the running for the College Football Playoff and needs to win all remaining games to secure a playoff spot. On the other hand, Mississippi State, under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby, has struggled with a 1-7 (0-5 SEC) record and has not won a game since their season opener against Eastern Kentucky.
Despite their poor record, Mississippi State has shown signs of improvement in recent games. After suffering blowout losses to Arizona State, Toledo, and Florida earlier in the season, the Bulldogs have been more competitive since freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren took over. However, red zone turnovers cost them in the game against Arkansas last week.
Tennessee will face Kentucky before hosting Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium. Meanwhile, Mississippi State will play UMass at home this week before traveling to Knoxville for the game against the Vols.
In addition to the Tennessee-Mississippi State game, other notable SEC matchups in week 11 include Georgia vs. Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, Alabama vs. LSU at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and Florida vs. Texas at noon ET on ABC.