Starkville, Mississippi, September 16, 2025

News Summary

In a commanding display, the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated Alcorn State with a remarkable 63-0 score. Quarterback Blake Shapen led the charge with impressive passing and two touchdowns, while Fluff Bothwell excelled in rushing. The Bulldogs’ defense played a pivotal role in maintaining the shutout, marking their first since 2017. This victory highlights the team’s offensive and defensive prowess, setting a positive tone for their upcoming games against Northern Illinois and Tennessee.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State in 63-0 Blowout

The Mississippi State University football team achieved a commanding victory over Alcorn State on Saturday, securing a 63-0 win in Starkville, Mississippi. The Bulldogs showcased their offensive prowess by scoring on their first four possessions of the game, exhibiting a well-rounded and dominant performance.

Quarterback Blake Shapen played a crucial role in the victory, completing 10 of 14 passes for 173 yards, including two touchdowns despite one interception. Shapen’s impressive outing kicked off with a spectacular 73-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Mosley on the very first play of the game, setting the tone for the match.

The running game was equally effective, with Fluff Bothwell leading the charge. He rushed for 93 yards on 12 carries and found the end zone twice. Anthony Evans was another standout for Mississippi State, leading the team with four receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown, while also contributing by returning three punts for 97 yards.

Another notable performance came from Brenen Thompson, who had two receptions for 52 yards and scored a touchdown. Freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor also made an impact, completing 2 of 3 passes for 46 yards, which included a 42-yard touchdown pass to Thompson. Additionally, Taylor showcased his talent on the ground, rushing three times for 40 yards.

This victory marked a significant achievement for the Bulldogs, as they outgained Alcorn State by a staggering 514 yards to 155, including a remarkable 282-68 advantage in rushing yards. Mississippi State also excelled on key offensive metrics, converting on four of six third downs and both fourth-down attempts, averaging 9.5 yards per play.

The Bulldogs’ defense played a pivotal role in maintaining the shutout, forcing three turnovers throughout the game. This marked the first shutout for Mississippi State since 2017, showcasing the team’s defensive strength.

A total of 16 players made their debut for Mississippi State during this match, further emphasizing the team’s depth and promising future. The Bulldogs, now with a record of 2-0, displayed resilience and effectiveness following their emotional victory against Arizona State the previous week.

Looking ahead, Alcorn State will enjoy a bye week before preparing to face Arkansas Pine-Bluff on September 27. Meanwhile, Mississippi State will host Northern Illinois on September 20, before facing Tennessee at home on September 27 in what will be their first true road trip of the 2025 season.

In terms of national recognition, the Bulldogs received 27 votes in the US LBM Coaches Poll, placing them at No. 34. This ranking reflects their return to form, given that the last time Mississippi State appeared in the Coaches Poll was at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Game Summary

• Final Score: Mississippi State 63, Alcorn State 0
• Mississippi State’s offensive yards: 514
• Alcorn State’s offensive yards: 155
• Rushing yards: Mississippi State 282, Alcorn State 68
• Touchdowns: 9 for Mississippi State
• Turnovers forced: 3 by Mississippi State’s defense
• First shutout for Mississippi State since 2017

Upcoming Games

• Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois on September 20
• Alcorn State vs Arkansas Pine-Bluff on September 27
• Mississippi State vs Tennessee on September 27

Frequently Asked Questions

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Mississippi State Achieves 63-0 Victory over Alcorn State
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Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State in Shutout Victory

Additional Resources

• Hail State: A Glimpse of the Future
• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Rankings College Football Poll
• SI: How to Watch Northern Illinois at Mississippi State
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Google Search: Mississippi State Football News

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.