The Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, TN. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Tennessee is favored by 8.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -370. The total is set at 141.5 points.
Here are my Mississippi State vs. Tennessee predictions and college basketball picks for January 21, 2025.
Mississippi State vs Tennessee Odds
| Mississippi State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 141.5 -110 / -110 | +290 |
| Tennessee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 141.5 -110 / -110 | -370 |
- Mississippi State vs Tennessee spread: Tennessee -8.5
- Mississippi State vs Tennessee over/under: 141.5 points
- Mississippi State vs Tennessee moneyline: Tennessee -370, Mississippi State +290
- Mississippi State vs Tennessee best bet: Tennessee -8 or Better
My Mississippi State vs Tennessee best bet is on the Vols spread, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Mississippi State vs Tennessee College Basketball Betting Preview
This is a terrific bounce-back betting opportunity on Tuesday night in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the Volunteers will host the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
According to KenPom, the Vols should be an eight-point favorite despite being pantsed by Vanderbilt this past Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are coming off a massive win against arch-rival Ole Miss, and there's reason to believe they could be a bit flat entering the matchup. The situational spot is superb for the Vols, and there are many reasons to think they can bounce back.
First and foremost, the Vols' offensive struggles should get a boost against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State ranks outside the top 250 in opposing 3-point percentage, allowing its foes to shoot 35% in that area of the floor.
I wouldn’t say those numbers are illegitimate either, especially given that the Bulldogs allow a ton of attempts from deep. Their perimeter defense is a legitimate issue, and I expect the Vols to continue their hot shooting from deep (10-of-21 from 3 on Saturday).
Another reason to like the Vols on Tuesday is they should get to the foul line early and often. The Bulldogs aren't a disciplined defensive team, ranking outside the top 200 in opposing free throw attempts per game.
The Vols are shooting 75% from the line, which spells bad news for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs also rank outside the top 150 in opposing effective field goal percentage.
I have concerns about the Vols' depth, but they shouldn't have issues on the offensive side of the floor. The Vols' offense draws a good matchup, but I think their defense will stifle the Bulldogs.
Despite a shaky couple of weeks, the Vols are third in adjusted defensive efficiency. They’re also the top team in the country in opposing 3-point percentage, holding their opponents to a 25% shooting clip from deep.
However, serious regression looms in that floor area, as they rank outside the top 330 in opponent attempts from deep. The Bulldogs aren't a strong 3-point shooting team, so I don't think the negative regression will kick in here.
Besides the looming 3-point regression, the Vols still force many turnovers and block many shots. I don’t think the Bulldogs’ offense reflects a top-20 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency, and they're in a dreadful situational spot heading into Knoxville.
Also, let’s not forget that the Bulldogs had to fight off the Rebels in overtime on Saturday, and they were fortunate to win the game despite being outshot from the floor and at the charity stripe.
The Vols are overrated overall, but the spot is too pristine to pass up. I will happily lay the wood with the Vols at home, and I would expect Rick Barnes’ team to bounce back strongly.
Pick: Tennessee -8 or Better
