Looking for Tennessee vs MS State? Here’s how to find the date, kickoff time, TV channel, and streaming for the Tennessee Volunteers vs Mississippi State Bulldogs football matchup. Because SEC scheduling rotates, the game is not guaranteed every season. When it is scheduled, TV networks typically announce start time and channel 6–12 days before kickoff. Below, see where to watch, why the game matters, and what to check next.
Tennessee vs MS State: What happened
The Tennessee Volunteers and Mississippi State Bulldogs meet in select seasons under the SEC’s rotating schedule. If the matchup is on this year’s slate, networks will set the TV channel and kickoff during standard 12-day (and occasional 6-day) selection windows, according to SEC television procedures. Fans should confirm details on each school’s official schedule and the SEC composite schedule:
- SEC football composite schedule: [[source:https://www.secsports.com/schedule/football]]
- Tennessee Volunteers official schedule: [[source:https://utsports.com/sports/football/schedule]]
- Mississippi State Bulldogs official schedule: [[source:https://hailstate.com/sports/football/schedule]]
From the 2024 season forward, SEC football’s primary media rights are with ESPN and ABC, with many games on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, and SEC Network and streaming via the ESPN app, per the conference’s agreement with ESPN. [[source:https://www.espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/12/espn-and-the-southeastern-conference-announce-a-10-year-media-rights-agreement/]]
Why it matters
When Tennessee vs Mississippi State appears on the calendar, it carries implications across the SEC:
- Standings: Conference wins shape SEC title paths and bowl positioning.
- Recruiting and momentum: A televised SEC clash draws national eyeballs.
- Fan access: Cord-cutters need clear streaming options and blackout guidance.
- Travel and tickets: Home sites in Knoxville (Neyland Stadium) and Starkville (Davis Wade Stadium) sell fast for marquee games.
Where to watch Tennessee vs Mississippi State
Most SEC football games air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, or SEC Network and stream via the ESPN app. Some non-conference and lower-profile games may appear on ESPN+ (availability varies). Always verify channel and stream using the school or SEC schedule the week of the game.
Comparison: ways to watch
| Option | What you get | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna + ABC | Local ABC broadcasts (select SEC games) | No monthly fee; HD over-the-air | Only ABC games; reception varies by location |
| Cable/Satellite | ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, SEC Network | Reliable channel access; DVR options | Contract and fees; equipment required |
| Live TV streaming | ABC and ESPN networks; many include SEC Network | No contract; cloud DVR; watch anywhere | Channel lineups vary by market; internet required |
| ESPN app / ESPN+ | Authenticated streaming; select games on ESPN+ | Mobile/tablet/TV apps; multi-game views | ESPN+ does not include all ESPN channels; blackout rules apply |
Tip: Check your provider’s channel list for SEC Network and regional ABC availability the week of the game. Lineups change by market.
Context & background
Tennessee (often shortened to TN, Vols, or Tennessee Volunteers) and Mississippi State (MS State, Miss State, or Mississippi State Bulldogs) are long-standing SEC programs. They do not meet annually under the rotating conference format, so “Tennessee vs Mississippi State” may be a highlight when it appears. Games are hosted in Knoxville, Tennessee, or Starkville, Mississippi, depending on the rotation.
Key terms:
- Selection window: The 12-day (or 6-day) TV pick process used by networks and the SEC to assign channels and kickoff times.
- Composite schedule: The SEC’s master list of games by week, updated with TV assignments as they are finalized.
- Blackout: A location-based restriction on streaming or viewing, typically enforced by rights holders.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on these checkpoints, which often determine when final details drop:
- Mondays in-season: Most SEC TV selections for the following week are announced during the 12-day window; some games are held to a 6-day pick.
- Team updates: Depth charts and coach media sessions early game week provide injury and starter notes.
- Weather: Reliable local forecasts emerge 5–7 days out, affecting travel and tailgates.
- Tickets: Primary/resale availability and prices tend to move mid-week as TV times lock in.
Simple timeline
- June–July 2025: Season-ticket and single-game sales finalize for many SEC programs.
- August 2025: Fall camps open; TV partners begin early-season assignments.
- September–November 2025: SEC games weekly; TV picks made on rolling 12-day/6-day windows.
- Early December 2025: Conference championship week; bowl selections follow.
Quick checklist for fans
- Check Tennessee and Mississippi State official schedule pages for the latest date, time, and TV.
- Confirm your provider includes ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, and SEC Network.
- Install the ESPN app and sign in with your TV provider (or ESPN+ for select streams).
- Set DVR or mobile alerts once kickoff is posted.
- Review parking, stadium policies, and weather 48–72 hours before game day.
Key takeaways
- Tennessee vs MS State appears in select seasons due to SEC rotation.
- TV channel and kickoff are usually set 6–12 days before the game.
- Most broadcasts air on ABC/ESPN networks or SEC Network and stream via the ESPN app.
- Always verify details on the SEC and school schedule pages during game week.
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Sources: SEC composite football schedule; Tennessee and Mississippi State official athletics schedules; ESPN–SEC media rights announcement. [[source:https://www.secsports.com/schedule/football]] [[source:https://utsports.com/sports/football/schedule]] [[source:https://hailstate.com/sports/football/schedule]] [[source:https://www.espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/12/espn-and-the-southeastern-conference-announce-a-10-year-media-rights-agreement/]]
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