After a four-game winning streak, Tennessee came back to earth on Saturday night in Lexington by blowing yet another big first half lead. The Volunteers repeated the first episode against Kentucky, once again letting the Wildcats do whatever they wanted on the offensive end to close the game.

Tennessee moves to 0-2 on the year against Kentucky — two games that they should have won — two games that would have changed the entire narrative about this group. Wednesday presents a chance to move on, and they’ll have to travel to yet another tough venue.

Rick Barnes dropped his last trip to Starkville back in 2024, losing 77-72 to the Bulldogs at The Hump. However, Mississippi State hasn’t had the same punch at home that they usually do this season. Chris Jans’ squad is just 11-12 overall and 1-4 at home so far in SEC play.

Jans knows what’s coming to Starkville on Wednesday night.

“It’s another typical Rick Barnes’ team where they are ultra-physical in every aspect of the game,” Jans said on Tuesday. “When you play them you better be ready for a fist fight. That’s how they want to make the game and it’s usually pretty successful at getting a game to be in that variety. They are big and strong around the basket and this particular group doesn’t disappoint that way. They are a power basketball team.

“It is a typical Coach Barnes’ team. Coming into this league, there was probably no one that I respect more from the outside looking in than him. I’m still doing the same after being in the league for four years.”

Mississippi State’s three conference wins have come against Texas, Oklahoma and LSU. Outside of those three games, the Bulldogs haven’t really been competitive in SEC play. Star guard Josh Hubbard remains leading the roster, scoring over 20 points per game. Beyond that, there hasn’t been much to work with for Jans this season.

Mississippi State enters the night ranked 86th in the country, according to KenPom. The Bulldogs have the 126th ranked offense and the 62nd ranked defense, per the metric. Tennessee, hanging on to a projected No. 5/6 seed in the NCAA Tournament according to most, ranks 17th.

The Volunteers are a 7.5 point favorite tonight on the road. Nate Ament will look to keep it going and Rick Barnes will be looking to find him some consistent help.

Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.