Starkville MS, September 7, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs delivered a shocking upset against the Arizona State Sun Devils, winning 24-20 in a thrilling game at Davis Wade Stadium. With a commanding first half lead, the Bulldogs faced a fierce comeback from Arizona State, only to clinch victory with a last-minute touchdown pass. This win marks a significant milestone for Mississippi State, being their first against a top-15 team in non-conference play since 1991.
Exciting Upset in Starkville: Mississippi State Takes Down No. 10 Arizona State 24-20
Starkville, Mississippi was buzzing on Saturday night as the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-0) pulled off a thrilling upset against the No. 10 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils (1-1), ending the game with a nail-biting score of 24-20. This matchup kicked off at Davis Wade Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans watching on ESPN2 were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions that kept them on the edge of their seats.
The Road to Victory
Mississippi State entered this game hungry for a win after starting their season with a solid 34-17 victory against Southern Miss, where they dominated on the ground with 277 rushing yards. In that game, RB Davon Booth showcased his skills with 79 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Fluff Bothwell added 43 yards and two more scores on the ground. With such a promising start, the Bulldogs aimed to play spoiler in their home opener against an Arizona State team that previously outplayed them last season, winning 30-23 while racking up an impressive 346 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, Arizona State’s first matchup this season saw them defeating Northern Arizona convincingly with a score of 38-19, even though they didn’t quite cover the hefty 30.5-point spread. Quarterback Sam Leavitt had a standout game there, throwing for two touchdown passes and rushing for two more, while RB Kyson Brown and WR Jordyn Tyson contributed significantly to the offense.
The Incredible Game Unfolds
As the game kicked off, it quickly became evident that the Bulldogs were on a mission. In a commanding first half, Mississippi State outgained Arizona State 209 to 95 and held a commanding 17-0 lead at one point. The Sun Devils managed to narrow the gap to 17-3 by halftime thanks to a long 51-yard field goal from Jesus Gomez.
The second half saw a surge from Arizona State, as they hustled to turn the tables, scoring 20 consecutive points and taking a 20-17 lead. However, the excitement was far from over. With just 30 seconds left on the clock, a brilliant 58-yard touchdown pass from Blake Shapen to Brenen Thompson allowed Mississippi State to snatch back the lead and secure the victory at 24-20. Furthermore, Hunter Washington made a crucial interception on Arizona State’s next possession to seal the win.
Stat Highlights
Shapen finished the game with impressive stats—279 yards passing, three touchdowns, and a crucial role in leading his team to victory. Thompson proved to be a valuable asset, reaching 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Anthony Evans also contributed significantly with nine catches for 108 yards.
On the ground, Arizona State’s running game wasn’t too shabby either, producing 251 rushing yards. Raleek Brown shone with 110 yards, while Kanye Udoh added 105 yards and a touchdown to the mix. But it was the Bulldogs’ defense that stood tall, recording six tackles for loss and two sacks throughout the game.
A Celebratory Atmosphere
This victory marked a significant achievement for Mississippi State, as it was their first win against a top-15 opponent in non-conference play since way back in 1991. Fans flooded the field and even tore down the goalposts to celebrate this monumental upset, though it’s worth noting the SEC may impose a hefty fine of $500,000 for such displays, as a new rule was implemented this offseason.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will be looking to build on their performances moving forward. Arizona State will be heading off to face Texas State next Saturday, while Mississippi State is set to take on Alcorn State the same day. With so many exciting storylines playing out, fans can hardly wait for the next round of college football action!
FAQ
What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs Arizona State game?
The final score was Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 20.
Who were the standout players in the game?
For Mississippi State, quarterback Blake Shapen threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Brenen Thompson recorded 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns. For Arizona State, Raleek Brown led the rushing game with 110 yards.
What was the significance of this victory for Mississippi State?
This marked Mississippi State’s first win against a top-15 opponent in non-conference play since 1991.
When are the next games for both teams?
Arizona State will face Texas State next Saturday, while Mississippi State will take on Alcorn State the same day.
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Misunderstanding Over Arizona State Football Team’s Hotel Stay
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Mississippi State vs. Arizona State Recap
- USA Today: Mississippi State Upsets Arizona State
- Clarion Ledger: Game Updates on Mississippi State vs Arizona State
- Action Network: Prediction and Pick for Arizona State vs Mississippi State
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
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.
