As far as college sports go, there may not be a better matchup than one that matches Georgia Tech vs MS State (Mississippi State). The two schools both have storied athletic traditions, and their matchups are typically close contests that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Historical Rivalry and Key Moments
The Georgia Tech vs MS State rivalry stretches across numerous sports, including a storied basketball past and bowl game showdown. In the past, these sides have played in a lot of close games and there are victories on both sides.
Football Battles
In football, the rivalry is over a hundred years old. The most memorable came in 2014 with the Capital One Orange Bowl when Georgia Tech beat Mississippi State, 49-34. What makes that game stand out for the Yellow Jackets was their running performance, as they went over 450 yards on just rushing attempts alone against Georgia.
Basketball Showdowns
Basketball matchups between these two schools are equally thrilling. A recent game on November 28, 2023, saw Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team secure a 67-59 victory over the 21st-ranked Mississippi State in the ACC/SEC Challenge. This win was significant as it marked Georgia Tech’s first victory over a ranked team in the Damon Stoudamire era. Miles Kelly led the Yellow Jackets with 22 points and 12 rebounds, highlighting the team’s strong defensive performance that limited Mississippi State to a season-low 59 points.
Recent Performances
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech has been a classic Jekyll-Hyde SLot88 gacor squad this season. They were 3-2 going into the game against Mississippi State and that loss to UMass Lowell followed one at Cincinnati. The game was full of adversity for Georgia Tech, although the Yellow Jackets played a solid defensive battle against the Bulldogs. Miles Kelly and Dallan Coleman have been key to their success in this period, with the former averaging 18.8 points per game.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Meanwhile, the Mississippi State Bulldogs have looked quite dominant this season as well and remained undefeated until losing to Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs are renowned for their potent defense and balanced scoring. Star performances have come from players like Josh Hubbard, having an exceptional game when it comes to both offensive and defensive efforts.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
When comparing the two teams, several factors come into play:
Offensive and Defensive Stats
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets average 74.3 points per game, shooting 40.6% from the field. Defensively, they allow 77.5 points per game, which has been a point of concern for the team.
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs average 75.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.5%. Defensively, they are more stringent, allowing only 59.2 points per game.
Players
Georgia Tech: Miles Kelly (18.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Dallan Coleman (12 PPG, 2.5 RPG), and Tyzhaun Claude (6.8 RPG).
Mississippi State: Josh Hubbard (16.2 PPG), known for his scoring prowess and defensive capabilities.
Prediction and Analysis
It is difficult to predict what the next game between Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State would look like, given their recent stand in these games attached with historical data? The rise of its defense could help combat the incredible offensive firepower Mississippi State has. Yet this season Mississippi State has the stability and a defense capable of making slight amends.
Expert Prediction: Analysts will often go with Mississippi State due to the way they have played all season and the composure which they can display under pressure. Georgia Tech has shown flashes but if they want to compete effectively, especially against a team like Mississippi State then their defensive stats will have to improve.
Coaching and Strategy Insights
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech head coach Damon Stoudamire and his coaching staff have been emphasizing the need to create a culture of toughness and better defense. Stoudamire has talked about the defensive and team unity that he was aiming for since coming to his alma mater just before a summer trip. Disrupting the pace of opposing teams has been a key to Tech’s wins this season for Georgia natives Cole and Co. The strategy was evident in their game against Mississippi State, as they allowed the Bulldogs to only shoot 30.8% from the field–the lowest total for a Bulldog team this season.
In addition to that, Stoudamire has worked on how to best utilize and become more successful with key players. Miles Kelly has been a key figure in their offensive and defensive systems (scoring, rebounding). Kelly, Coleman among those the coaching staff has been honing in on to ratchet up shooting efficiency and also overall percentages that are a cause for growth this year.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi St. is a defensive force under head coach Chris Jans, but they are far from an afterthought. Jans, a defensive-minded coach by trade, has injected his trademark pressure defense into the Aggies’ makeup with an implied intent to slow everything down. The Bulldogs’ defensive strength is clear from the statistics, as they allow an average of only 59.2 points per game.
Mississippi State is offensively balanced across the lineup. Josh Hubbard has especially stood out and has been a key part in helping the Bulldogs put points on the scoreboard. Their strategy is an alchemy of shooting and slashing-enough to make opponents question what’s happening on the court at all. With Jans’ focus on a controlled, efficient offensive method that gives the Bulldogs their best looks at shots without taking unnecessary risks with turnovers and then capitalizing off defensive stops to create scoring chances it makes you wonder if he could get even more done in a normal year.
Fan Perspectives and Atmosphere
Georgia Tech vs MS State both have the kind of fanbases that make their games unique. Wild crowds at Georgia Tech and in Starkville ensure every league match between them is a lively affair.
Georgia Tech Fans
The Yellow Jacket Nation (what Georgia Tech fans refer to themselves as) is the most dedicated and vocal. McCamish Pavilion turns into a field of gold and white with fans who provide an energy that rallies the team. Season tickets are the best way to get involved, and stay tuned for more features on students and alumni who chant loud, plus those faithful locals that join them in McCamish Pavilion.
Mississippi State Fans
Passionate are the Bulldog Faithful for Mississippi State. Humphrey Coliseum provides and encourages intense home-court action, as its fans are some of the loudest in all of college basketball. Their home games are highlighted by the “Hail State” chant that makes it tough on opponents. You can feel the sense of community and pride fans have for their team, as they frequently support in large numbers at away games too.
