Starkville MS, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs achieved a remarkable upset victory over the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils with a score of 24-20, marking their first win against a top-15 nonconference opponent since 1991. This victory brings a wave of excitement as the Bulldogs matched their entire win total from last year in just this single game. With future games on the horizon, there’s a palpable buzz among fans and a sense of hope for a memorable season ahead.
Starkville Celebrates Thrilling Bulldogs Upset Against Arizona State
What a night for Starkville! The Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled off an incredible upset, taking down the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils with a nail-biting score of 24-20. This historic victory, which took place on September 6, 2025, marks the Bulldogs’ first win over a top-15 nonconference opponent since way back in 1991! Fans across the region are buzzing with excitement, and rightly so.
A Season to Remember?
This significant win didn’t just signal a great start to the season; it also matched Mississippi State’s entire win total from the previous year in just their first game. That’s right! The Bulldogs secured the same number of wins in a single week that they had all last year. There’s a genuine buzz in the air that the team could be onto something special this season. If they play their cards right against McNeese State in their next game, they could start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2018. Exciting times lie ahead!
Looking Ahead
After McNeese State, the Bulldogs are set to face Northern Illinois, giving them a realistic shot at a 4-0 start, something that hasn’t happened since 2014. Following those games, they’ll play against Alcorn State, which is currently struggling with a 0-2 record after a loss to Alabama A&M. Historically, Mississippi State has done quite well against Alcorn, with wins of 51-7 in 2013 and 49-16 in 2010.
Field Storming Fines and Fan Celebrations
In the spirit of celebration, fans flooded the field following the stunning victory, even tearing down the goalposts! While it made for a scene of pure elation, it did come with a price tag – the Southeastern Conference (SEC) imposed a hefty $500,000 fine for the field storming incident. The league decided on a flat fee for such instances instead of increasing penalties, which has definitely sparked discussion among college football followers.
Coach Focuses on Development
Coach Jeff Lebby expressed that the team’s focus should remain on their growth and not comparing themselves to other programs. Their performance has already generated an impressive amount of positive attention on social media, particularly with the catchy hashtag “Starkville vs. Everybody.” Fans have rallied around this phrase, and merchandise sales related to the campaign have surged, topping 400 orders just two days after the game!
Fan Engagement and Local Pride
Excitement surrounding the team isn’t just limited to victory dances; local pride is on the rise. After comments made by Arizona State’s Coach Kenny Dillingham about Starkville, the “Starkville vs. Everybody” campaign gained traction, prompting local fans to embrace their community with even more fervor. Videos showing Arizona State staff attempting to deal with the infamous cowbells have only added fuel to the fire of local humor and spirit.
Future Challenges
The Bulldogs still have six more games lined up against currently ranked teams in their schedule. It’ll be fascinating to see if they can keep the momentum going and climb the rankings, all while maintaining their newfound swagger. For now, fans in Starkville can bask in the glory of their Bulldogs’ triumphant upset and look ahead with hopeful hearts.
FAQ Section
When did Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat Arizona State?
The Bulldogs defeated Arizona State Sun Devils on September 6, 2025.
What was the score of the game?
The final score was Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 20.
Why did Mississippi State face a fine after the game?
Fans stormed the field following the victory, leading to a $500,000 fine from the SEC.
What does the “Starkville vs. Everybody” campaign mean?
It’s a rallying cry for local pride and support for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Football Upsets No. 12 Arizona State
Brenen Thompson Leads Mississippi State to Victory
Mississippi State Prepares for Alcorn State After Win
Mississippi State University Claims Victory Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Fined Following Fans Rushing the Field
Mississippi State Upsets Arizona State in Thrilling Victory
Mississippi State Fined After Field Storming Incident
Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State to Face Mississippi State in Key College Football Showdown
Columbus-Tupelo Area Hosts Thrilling High School Football Weekend
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Starkville Celebrates Thrilling Bulldogs Upset Against Arizona State
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- ESPN: Mississippi State Fined $500,000 for Field Storming
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- CBS Sports: Mississippi State Fined for Field Storming
- Google News: SEC Fines Mississippi State
- Saturday Down South: SEC Fines Mississippi State
- OutKick: SEC Fines Mississippi State $500,000
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.


