Starkville MS, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling SEC showdown, Mississippi State Bulldogs secured a victory against Arizona State Sun Devils, marking a significant upset. The Bulldogs demonstrated dominance early with key plays from QB Blake Shapen and running back Kanye Udoh, ultimately finishing the game at 31-20. The Sun Devils struggled to adapt amid injuries and an intense game environment at Davis-Wade Stadium. This unexpected result leaves Arizona State to reassess their strategy as they move forward in the season.
Starkville’s Showdown: Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Starkville, MS is buzzing today as the Arizona State Sun Devils gear up to clash with the Mississippi State Bulldogs in what promises to be an electrifying game. Both teams, currently sitting at 1-1 this season, aim to break into the win column in a crucial SEC matchup that has everyone talking.
Heading into the game, the Arizona State Sun Devils have been labeled the favorites, hoping to improve to 2-0. However, the atmosphere at Davis-Wade Stadium is expected to be intense. Fans know the challenges of playing in such a hostile environment, which could pose some hurdles for the Sun Devils. Adding to the mix is the unpredictable weather, leaving many to wonder if Mother Nature will lend a helping hand or throw a wrench in Arizona State’s plans.
Quarterback Battles and Strategies
For the Bulldogs, the strategy appears to involve a rotating cast of quarterbacks, including true freshman Kamario Taylor and starting QB Blake Shapen. Taylor, who stands a formidable 6’4″ and weighs in at 230 pounds, is already drawing comparisons to Dak Prescott, thanks to his physicality and play style. It is anticipated that Taylor will step in during critical moments, particularly in the red zone, which could put immense pressure on the Sun Devils’ defense.
On the other side, the Sun Devils face their own struggles with injuries. Starting wide receiver Jalen Moss and edge rusher Justin Wodtly have both been ruled out, putting their offense and defense at a disadvantage. To add to their woes, starting running back Kyson Brown left the game early on and will not return, leaving the Sun Devils scrambling.
The Game Unfolds
As the game kicked off, Mississippi State wasted no time in establishing dominance. They opened the scoreboard with an impressive 48-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to Anthony Evans III. Meanwhile, Arizona State struggled to get their offense going, with quarterback Sam Leavitt completing just one of his first seven passes, a daunting start that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Fast forward to the end of the first quarter, Mississippi State led comfortably at 10-0 after a solid 21-yard rushing touchdown from Kanye Udoh. The Bulldogs would go on to extend their lead, with another 48-yard touchdown connection from Shapen to Brennan Thompson.
However, the Sun Devils found a ray of hope as kicker Jesus Gomez booted a 51-yard field goal just before the half, ending the second quarter with a 17-3 score in favor of Mississippi State.
The second half saw both teams exchanging blows, with Arizona State bouncing back, thanks to a six-yard touchdown run by Kanye Udoh that brought them closer at 17-10. Yet, a false start penalty early in the fourth quarter halted a promising drive, and instead of taking the lead, Arizona State settled for a field goal, closing the gap to 24-20.
In a dramatic final sequence, Mississippi State secured a last-minute touchdown, leaving Arizona State in a bind. An interception on their following drive sealed the game, resulting in a disappointing loss for the favored Sun Devils.
Final Thoughts
With hype around this matchup, the unexpected outcome serves as a reminder of how unpredictable college football can be. As analysts pointed out, the atmosphere at Davis-Wade Stadium played a critical role, challenging Arizona State’s expectations. The Sun Devils, previously ranked 12th in the nation and a 7-point favorite, now embark on a journey to regroup in the games to come.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Arizona State vs. Mississippi State game?
The final score was Mississippi State 31, Arizona State 20.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Key players included Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen and Kanye Udoh, both of whom made significant contributions to their team’s offensive efforts.
What was the significance of the game for both teams?
This game was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their season records and gain momentum moving forward in the SEC standings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State
- AZCentral: Predictions for ASU vs. Mississippi State
- Arizona Sports: Herbstreit on ASU
- SI.com: Players to Watch in ASU vs. Mississippi State
- AZCentral: ASU Football Game Payment Contract
- Wikipedia: Arizona State Sun Devils Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Scholar: College Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Arizona State Sun Devils
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
