Starkville Celebrates Mississippi State’s Victory Over Arizona State

Starkville, September 9, 2025

News Summary

Mississippi State football achieved a remarkable 24-20 upset against No. 12 Arizona State, marking their first win over a ranked nonconference opponent since 1991. Following the intense match, fans stormed the field in celebration, despite the team facing a $500,000 fine from the SEC for the incident. The victory provides optimism for the Bulldogs, though injury concerns loom as key players are sidelined for the season. Looking ahead, Mississippi State prepares for an upcoming game against Alcorn State, aiming to build on this newfound momentum.

Starkville Celebrates Mississippi State’s Big Win Over Arizona State!

What an electrifying night in Starkville! On Saturday evening, Mississippi State football pulled off a monumental upset against the No. 12-ranked Arizona State team, winning the game 24-20. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Bulldogs, as it’s their first win over a top-15 nonconference opponent since 1991. The excitement in the air was palpable, and fans couldn’t help but rush the field afterward, tearing down the goalposts in a jubilant celebration.

Remembering the Last Wins Against Ranked Opponents

Let’s put this into perspective. Mississippi State hadn’t defeated a ranked opponent since they took down Ole Miss—who was ranked No. 20—during last year’s Egg Bowl. After two tough seasons where the team struggled with a 7-17 record, this victory feels like a breath of fresh air. Starkville erupted as Bulldogs fans flooded the field to celebrate this rare and hard-earned victory.

SEC Fines and Rushing the Field

However, the euphoria came with a hefty price tag! Following the enthusiastic field storming, Mississippi State received a whopping $500,000 fine from the SEC. The Southeastern Conference had recently implemented a new fine structure, and unfortunately for the Bulldogs, this kind of field rushing incident incurs a flat fee. With fans already surging onto the field before Arizona State’s players and officials could make their exit, the fine was automatic. While the cheers of victory still rang in the air, the team’s administration likely had a more sober discussion about the unexpected cost of the celebration.

Injury Concerns for the Bulldogs

The night wasn’t all about jubilation, though. Head coach Jeff Lebby announced that the team has suffered two significant injuries as they gear up for the rest of the season. Defensive lineman Will Whitson and offensive lineman Blake Steen are out for the remainder of the year. Whitson, transitioning from Coastal Carolina, was a standout performer, leading the team with two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss before sustaining an injury. Steen, who came from Virginia, did not play against Arizona State due to his own injury.

Stepping into the spotlight, Albert Reese IV filled in at right tackle for Steen and certainly made an impression, being named Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his crucial role in the victory against Arizona State.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchup

Fans won’t have to wait long for their next chance to cheer on the Bulldogs. Mississippi State is set to host Alcorn State, who currently stands at 0-2, on September 13 at Davis Wade Stadium. After last Saturday’s exhilarating upset, the team is bound to bring its A-game as they look to build on this momentum. The upcoming game will be a crucial opportunity to show off the growth of the team, especially in light of the injuries.

The Team’s Future Outlook

Add to this the fact that the Bulldogs are exploring the possibility of a medical redshirt for Whitson, who is in his last year of eligibility. The injuries put them in a challenging position, but all eyes will be on how they adapt and respond in the coming weeks. Fans are hopeful that this victory will ignite a new chapter for the Mississippi State football program!

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi State Football Claims Victory Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Upsets No. 12 Arizona State in Thrilling Game
Mississippi State University Triumphs Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Triumph Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Upsets Arizona State in Home Opener
Mississippi State Triumphs Over Arizona State at Home
Mississippi State Upsets No. 10 Arizona State 24-20
Sun Devil Heartbreak in Starkville: Last-Minute Loss
Bulldogs Soar with Perfect Start in Volleyball
Arizona State Sun Devils Fall to Mississippi State Bulldogs

Additional Resources

• CBS Sports: Mississippi State Fined for Fans Storming Field
• ESPN: Mississippi State Fined $500,000
• Clarion Ledger: Injury Update on Mississippi State Players
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College 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.