Chris Jans: No reason for Mississippi State to overlook South Carolina in SEC road game – The Dispatch

STARKVILLE — At face worth, South Carolina seems simple to miss on any Southeastern Convention crew’s schedule.

The Gamecocks are 8-13 total. They’re 1-7 in SEC play. They rank No. 241 in Division I per KenPom.com, between Southeast Missouri and Western Illinois and greater than 100 spots beneath every other SEC crew.

However given Mississippi State’s personal place within the convention, Bulldogs coach Chris Jans doesn’t see any motive his crew would look previous South Carolina with a visit to Columbia developing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on the SEC Community.

“I definitely hope that we wouldn’t try this contemplating the place we’re at and the way we have to get an SEC win within the worst approach,” Jans stated Monday.

For all of the Gamecocks’ struggles, they boast the identical convention file because the Bulldogs (13-8). Mississippi State’s path has definitely been more durable (MSU has performed 4 video games in opposition to Tennessee and Alabama; South Carolina has performed the Volunteers as soon as) however 1-7 is 1-7, it doesn’t matter what.

To Jans, MSU’s personal SEC struggles might solely make an upset bid extra enticing to their opponents.

“They’ve us, who don’t have a shiny file, coming into their fitness center,” Jans stated. “They’re in the identical mode as we’re — hungry to get a win — and we now have to go to their place.”

The Bulldogs have already performed their share of SEC street video games. They’ve traveled to Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama; Tuesday’s recreation at Colonial Life Area will probably be MSU’s fifth convention street contest.

Jans stated he has loved scoping out new venues and seeing new sights. On Wednesday, for instance, there have been so many college students ready in line to enter Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa that Mississippi State’s crew bus discovered the sector troublesome to navigate.

“I really like being in these charged environments,” Jans stated. “I really like when it’s packed and college students are on you.”

South Carolina possible received’t seem like that.

The Gamecocks have suffered some lopsided losses in SEC play. They misplaced their lone matchup with Tennessee — at residence — by 43 factors. Texas A&M took down South Carolina by 41, additionally in Columbia.

However that hasn’t stopped first-year coach Lamont Paris’ crew from shocking some individuals.

South Carolina beat present No. 20 crew Clemson in November, took Vanderbilt to extra time in its SEC opener and posted a stunning 71-68 win over Kentucky at Rupp Area on Jan. 10.

The Gamecocks virtually pulled one other upset Saturday, main by 12 factors within the second half at Georgia, however they fell 81-78 in extra time.

“Clearly, like all of us, while you lose a recreation like that, it’s a intestine punch and also you’ve bought to regroup,” Jans stated.

Mississippi State is aware of all about that. 

The Bulldogs misplaced 5 straight video games by 11 or fewer factors, coming as shut as two in opposition to Florida and three at Alabama. MSU lastly noticed its efforts repay Saturday in an 81-74 extra time win over No. 11 TCU within the SEC/Huge 12 Problem.

Jans stated taking part in groups just like the Crimson Tide or the Horned Frogs is simple for motivation, however it’s one other factor to arrange for a struggling squad like South Carolina.

“Each competitor is aware of while you’re taking part in groups that can transfer the needle a little bit bit, you have to be tremendous motivated in your preparation and in your play,” Jans stated. “After which while you play a crew that perhaps doesn’t have a rating behind their identify or as shiny a file, generally it’s human nature to simply be overconfident.”

That stated, Jans doesn’t suppose the Bulldogs have a lot motive to be overconfident Tuesday night time.

In spite of everything, Mississippi State wants a win approach an excessive amount of to let that occur.

Theo DeRosa studies on Mississippi State sports activities for The Dispatch. Observe him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.