Starkville, Mississippi, September 12, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling game at Davis Wade Stadium, the Mississippi State Bulldogs secured a 24-20 victory over the No. 12 ranked Arizona State football team. The Bulldogs initially took a commanding 17-0 lead but faced a comeback from Arizona State. With just 30 seconds remaining, quarterback Blake Shapen threw a stunning 58-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson, clinching the win and improving State’s record to 2-0. This notable victory marked a positive moment for the Mississippi State football program as they prepare for their next game against Alcorn State.
Starkville, Mississippi – In a nail-biting finish, the Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 12 ranked Arizona State football team, winning 24-20. The thrilling game unfolded at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday night, marking a significant victory for the Bulldogs as they improved their season record to 2-0.
With just 30 seconds remaining in the game, quarterback Blake Shapen connected on a remarkable 58-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson, clinching the victory for the Bulldogs. This dramatic play capped a night of highs and lows, as Mississippi State initially raced to a commanding 17-0 lead before Arizona State mounted a strong comeback.
Arizona State regained the lead with a late field goal in the fourth quarter, pushing the score to 20-17 with just 1:38 left on the clock. However, Shapen’s final touchdown throw not only secured the game but also highlighted his impressive performance, as he completed 19 of 33 passes for a total of 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Thompson and wide receiver Anthony Evans III were instrumental in the Bulldogs’ success, combining for 15 receptions and a notable total of 241 yards. Their dynamic play was crucial in giving Mississippi State the edge they needed to overcome Arizona State’s efforts.
The game atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium was electric, with fans celebrating a momentous victory in what is seen as a resurgence for the Mississippi State football program. In addition to the victory, the Bulldogs received a $500,000 fine from the Southeastern Conference for storming the field, a violation of the competition area policy.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are now set to host Alcorn State, a team currently struggling with an 0-2 record, next Saturday. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi also achieved a victory over Jackson State, winning 38-20. Southern Mississippi quarterback Braylon Braxton excelled in that matchup, throwing for 214 yards and three touchdowns, marking a noteworthy first win for head coach Charles Huff.
In related news, the Ole Miss Rebels also secured a victory against Kentucky, edging them out 30-23, despite a lackluster start. The Southeastern Conference continues to showcase its strength, featuring a record 11 teams in the latest Associated Press college football poll, with LSU ranked third, Georgia in fifth, and Texas at eighth.
Key Player Highlights
- Blake Shapen: Completed 19 of 33 passes for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Brenen Thompson: Caught the game-winning 58-yard touchdown pass.
- Anthony Evans III: Contributed significantly with 15 receptions totaling 241 yards.
- Hunter Washington: Helped seal the victory with a crucial interception near midfield.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only provides a confidence boost for Mississippi State but also adds excitement to their upcoming schedule. The team will face a series of ranked opponents throughout the season, testing their mettle as they aim for a successful campaign.
Recent Coaching Milestones
In other coaching news, Mississippi State’s head coach Todd Cooley recently became the winningest coach in Delta State history following a win against North Greenville, highlighting a positive period for the program on multiple fronts.
Conclusion
The game against Arizona State marks a pivotal moment for Mississippi State football, showcasing the team’s resilience and talent and fueling optimism for the future of the program.
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 scored the last touchdown for Mississippi State?
- Brenen Thompson caught a 58-yard touchdown pass from Blake Shapen to score the last touchdown.
- What is Mississippi State’s record after the game?
- After the victory, Mississippi State’s record improved to 2-0.
- What is the upcoming opponent for Mississippi State?
- Mississippi State’s next opponent is Alcorn State, who is currently 0-2.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Football Prepares for Alcorn State Showdown
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Hosts Tennessee Volunteers
Mississippi State Upsets No. 12 Arizona State
Starkville Celebrates Historic Win Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Baseball Schedule Unveiled
Starkville Celebrates Thrilling Bulldogs Upset Against Arizona State
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
Additional Resources
- Hail State: Evans Standing Out Early for State
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs football
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Field Storm
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Hail State: SEC Baseball Schedule Announced for 2026
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- SI: Can Mississippi State Recreate Last Year’s Magic?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- UT Sports: Match Central: Tennessee at Mississippi State
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
