Starkville MS, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Tennessee secured a dramatic 41-34 overtime victory against Mississippi State, thanks to DeSean Bishop’s 25-yard touchdown run. The win enhances Tennessee’s record to 4-1, while Mississippi State’s record now stands at 4-1 as well. The game showcased Tennessee’s high-scoring offense and a series of key defensive plays that kept them in contention despite turnovers.
Starkville, MS – DeSean Bishop scored a 25-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime, leading No. 15 Tennessee to a 41-34 victory over Mississippi State on September 27. This win is crucial for Tennessee, improving their record to 4-1 (1-1 SEC), while Mississippi State falls to 4-1 (0-1 SEC).
The intense game unfolded at Davis Wade Stadium, with Mississippi State fans ringing their clanging cowbells as both teams vied for victory. Tennessee, known for having the highest-scoring offense in the SEC this season, averaging 53.5 points per game, faced challenges throughout the match, including a pair of interceptions thrown by quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Aguilar’s first interception came from a pass that bounced off the hands of tight end Miles Kitselman. This turnover consequently enabled Mississippi State to score a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Throughout the game, Tennessee allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize on short drives of 20, 26, and 27 yards due to turnovers.
Tennessee’s defense, however, made crucial plays to keep the game competitive. The Volunteers managed to score two touchdowns off defensive plays: Colton Hood intercepted a pass and rushed for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter, while Joshua Josephs returned a forced fumble by Tyre West for a 41-yard touchdown, giving Tennessee a brief 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter.
With just under two minutes remaining, Joey Aguilar tied the game at 34-34 with a 6-yard run. This effort followed Mississippi State’s fourth-quarter go-ahead touchdown, which was set up by Aguilar’s second interception. Mississippi State managed to tie the game at 27-27 earlier in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard field goal, following a 49-yard pass.
There were pivotal moments throughout the game, including a miss on a 42-yard field goal attempt by Mississippi State kicker Kyle Ferrie with 6:03 left, which allowed Tennessee to maintain a 20-17 lead. In the second half, a 27-yard field goal by Max Gilbert extended Tennessee’s lead early on.
After the first half ended in a 17-17 tie, Mississippi State initially took the lead with a 51-yard field goal by Ferrie. Tennessee had previously scored a touchdown from a 15-yard pass by Aguilar to Chris Brazzell II. The first quarter saw Mississippi State gain points following a muffed punt by Tennessee’s Braylon Staley, which allowed the Bulldogs to start their drive at the UT 20-yard line.
Tennessee wore their traditional orange jerseys and pants for the game, while Mississippi State opted for an all-white uniform as part of a white-out event. The match was attended by a sold-out crowd, marking the 10th meeting between the two teams since 2007-08. Tennessee currently leads the all-time series against Mississippi State with a record of 29-16-1.
Key Players and Developments
- DeSean Bishop – Scored the winning touchdown in overtime.
- Joey Aguilar – Threw two interceptions, but also contributed crucial plays.
- Colton Hood – Scored a touchdown with an interception in the first quarter.
- Joshua Josephs – Returned a fumble for a touchdown, contributing to the team’s score.
Game Statistics
- Attendance: Sold-out crowd
- Tennessee Record: 4-1 (1-1 SEC)
- Mississippi State Record: 4-1 (0-1 SEC)
- Tennessee’s Average Points: 53.5 points per game
- All-time Series Record: Tennessee 29 – 16 – 1 Mississippi State
FAQ Section
What was the outcome of the game between Tennessee and Mississippi State on September 27?
Tennessee defeated Mississippi State 41-34 in overtime.
Who scored the winning touchdown for Tennessee?
DeSean Bishop scored a 25-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime.
What is Tennessee’s record after this game?
Tennessee’s record improved to 4-1 (1-1 SEC).
What was the attendance for the game?
The game was attended by a sold-out crowd.
Where did the game take place?
The game took place at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winning Team | Tennessee |
| Losing Team | Mississippi State |
| Final Score | 41-34 |
| Location | Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS |
| Attendance | Sold-out crowd |
| Tennessee Record | 4-1 (1-1 SEC) |
| Mississippi State Record | 4-1 (0-1 SEC) |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: First and 10 to Know State vs Tennessee
- Clarksville Online: Tennessee Vols Football Travels to Starkville
- Knox News: Tennessee vs Mississippi State Live Updates
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs Arizona State
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.
