CBB: Tennessee at Mississippi State (6:00 PM ET, ESPN)

It shows how much the talking heads of ESPN and the rest of the bracketology world think of the SEC when a team like Mississippi State, at 21-9 on the season, still has work to do to escape from the proverbial bubble. That work might include just one smal

2010-03-05

It shows how much the talking heads of ESPN and the rest of the bracketology world think of the SEC when a team like Mississippi State, at 21-9 on the season, still has work to do to escape from the proverbial bubble. That work might include just one small task though…beat Tennessee at home on Saturday evening. It should be a nip & tuck contest so be sure to follow the line moves all day long at Sportsbook.com then pounce when the moment is right.

The Bulldogs shocking loss at Auburn means they still have work to do to be outright West Division champions of the SEC. Mississippi State (21-9, 13-11 ATS) did not show their usual defensive tenacity, allowing the Tigers score the most points against them all season (89) and surrender highest shooting percentage for a the year at 51.7. This is extremely important contest for the Bulldogs since they are not secure for NCAA bid. Despite having 22 victories, a perusal of those accomplishments has Old Dominion as best win. Mississippi State needs a W and be playing in the SEC championship to give them their best chance for an invite. The Bulldogs are 11-5 ATS off a SU loss and spread failure.

Tennessee’s fate for now is set, finishing third in the SEC East and playing LSU in the first league tournament game. Coach Bruce Pearl wants his Volunteers (22-7, 11-15 ATS) to look at the bigger picture. A win at Starksville and at least a couple victories next week in Nashville could have Tennessee climbing to possibly a third seed when the NCAA bids are announced. Scotty Hopson’s more aggressive offensive manner and Brian Williams energy, make the Vols a tougher team to knock off. Wagering wise not so much, having covered only three of last 12 SEC conflicts.

The underdog has been the correct side in seven of the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

The StatFox Power Line shows Mississippi State by 1, while the Outplay Factor Line indicates Bulldogs by 3.

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