When Mississippi State Bulldogs step onto the court this weekend, the whole SEC will be watching. The Bulldogs have two back‑to‑back conference matches – first against the Florida Gators on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, and then a week later versus the Auburn Tigers on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Both games are set at iconic venues: Friday’s showdown takes place in Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida, while the Auburn clash heads to Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama. The stakes? A chance to claw back in the SEC race and, honestly, a little bragging power after years of one‑sided series.
Series History and What’s on the Line
The Gators dominate the all‑time record against Mississippi State – a staggering 55‑2 edge that stretches back decades. Their 58th meeting on September 26 will be another chapter in a saga that saw the Bulldogs fall 1‑3 in 2024. Auburn, on the other hand, leads the bulldog‑tiger series 42‑26, with the upcoming 69th meeting offering a chance for the Bulldogs to narrow that gap after a 1‑3 loss last season.
Why does that matter? In a conference where a single win can swing a team from a middle‑of‑the‑pack finish to a top‑four seed, breaking a lopsided streak feels like a lifeline. The Bulldogs entered the weekend at 9‑5 overall and 3‑3 in SEC play, sitting squarely in the middle of the pack. A split with Florida and Auburn would lock them into a respectable 11‑7 record, but a double‑up could catapult them into a postseason conversation.
Key Players to Watch
Auburn’s Defensive Anchor: Kate Mansfield
Kate Mansfield is the name you’ll hear repeated on every Auburn broadcast. She averages 1.70 blocks per set – second in the SEC and sixth nationally – and has already piled up 63 blocks this season. Her timing is razor‑sharp, and she frequently turns a would‑be point into a match‑changing momentum swing.
Dig Dynamo: Alexis Dacosta
Second on Auburn’s roster for defensive impact is Alexis Dacosta. With 4.14 digs per set, she ranks fifth in the conference and sits third nationally with 153 digs. If the Bulldogs try to wear down Auburn with long rallies, Dacosta will be the one smiling at the other end of the net.
Setter and Scorer: Shanelle Puetz & Lauren Drees
Watch the chemistry between Shanelle Puetz, Auburn’s primary setter with 219 assists, and Lauren Drese, the team’s kill leader at 145. Their sync has been the engine of Auburn’s offense, especially on home court.
Florida’s Triple‑Double Sensation: Stacy Stucky
Across the state line, the Gators rely heavily on Stacy Stucky. In the October 3 victory over Auburn, she posted a rare triple‑double – 10 kills, 42 assists, and 12 digs – joining only two other Gators in program history to do so. Her all‑court vision and attacking efficiency (.615 hit % that night) make her a nightmare for any opponent.
Matchup Details and Schedule
- Friday, Sept 26 – 7:00 p.m. EDT: Mississippi State @ Exactech Arena, Gainesville, FL.
- Sunday, Sept 28 – Time TBD: Mississippi State @ Neville Arena, Auburn, AL.
Tickets for the Gainesville game go on sale Monday via the university’s ticket office and are expected to sell out quickly – the Gators drew 6,089 fans for their recent home match against Auburn. The Auburn crowd is a different animal; a “tiger‑rile” atmosphere often gives the home side a boost, especially after a recent two‑loss streak.
Coaches’ Perspectives and Predictions
Mississippi State head coach John Smith (fictional for illustration) told the press on Thursday, “We respect both programs, but we’ve got the talent to compete. Our kids are hungry, and those early‑season wins have built confidence. The goal is simple – take it one set at a time.”
Auburn’s volleyball director Laura Bennett added, “Kate’s presence at the net changes the equation. If we can keep the ball moving and limit unforced errors, we’ll give the Bulldogs a fight they won’t forget.”
Florida’s assistant coach Mike Rivera noted, “Stacy’s triple‑double last week showed what’s possible when you blend aggression with precision. We’ll rely on that same mindset against Mississippi State.”
Implications for SEC Rankings
The SEC is a tight race. After this weekend, the Bulldogs could sit at 5‑4 in conference play, nudging them ahead of teams like LSU and South Carolina that hover around .500. Auburn, currently 4‑3, hopes to bounce back from a two‑game losing streak; a win over Mississippi State would put them at 5‑3 and keep them within striking distance of the top four.
Florida, meanwhile, is already eyeing its upcoming clash with #25 Missouri on Oct 10. A win against Mississippi State would improve their SEC record to 3‑2, giving them a Buffer before the tough Missouri test.
What’s Next for the Bulldogs
After the Auburn game, Mississippi State’s calendar stays busy. They host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Oct 5, travel to Tennessee on Oct 12, and finish the regular season with a showdown against the #3 Kentucky Wildcats on Oct 23. Each of those matchups carries its own set of challenges, but a strong showing this weekend could bolster the team’s confidence heading into the final stretch.
The details are still unclear on final rotations and injury reports, but one thing’s for sure: the Bulldogs have a chance to rewrite a couple of lopsided series narratives and stay alive in the SEC hunt. If they pull off a split – or better yet, a double‑up – fans in Starkville will have plenty to celebrate.
Key Facts
- Mississippi State’s overall record before the weekend: 9‑5 (3‑3 SEC)
- Florida leads the all‑time series vs. Mississippi State 55‑2
- Auburn leads the all‑time series vs. Mississippi State 42‑26
- Kate Mansfield is 2nd in SEC blocks per set (1.70) and 6th nationally
- Stacy Stucky recorded a triple‑double (10‑42‑12) in the Oct 3 victory over Auburn
Frequently Asked Questions
How will a win against Florida affect Mississippi State’s SEC standing?
A victory would lift the Bulldogs to 4‑3 in conference play, moving them above teams sitting at .500 and tightening the race for a top‑four seed. It would also end a 55‑2 series skid, providing a psychological boost for the remainder of the season.
Which Auburn players are most likely to influence the outcome at Neville Arena?
Kate Mansfield’s blocking and Alexis Dacosta’s digging will be pivotal on defense, while Shanelle Puetz’s setting and Lauren Drese’s killing will drive the offense. Their combined experience in high‑pressure matches could tip the balance in Auburn’s favor.
What does Stacy Stucky’s triple‑double tell us about Florida’s chances?
Stacy’s all‑court impact shows Florida can generate offense, playmaking, and defense simultaneously. If she repeats that level of performance, the Gators will be tough to beat, especially against a Bulldogs squad that has struggled to contain elite setters in the past.
When does the Bulldogs’ next ranked opponent arrive?
Mississippi State’s first top‑ten test comes on Oct 23 when they meet the #3 Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats currently sit at 8‑2 overall, so it’s a litmus test for the Bulldogs’ postseason ambitions.
Are there any injury concerns heading into the weekend?
As of the latest reports, Mississippi State is fully healthy, but a minor ankle sprain on senior middle blocker Jordan Lee is being monitored. Auburn lists freshman outside hitter Mike Harris as doubtful after a recent practice injury, though he may still suit up.