Tennessee Volunteers Secure Overtime Victory Over Mississippi State

Starkville MS, September 28, 2025

News Summary

In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers triumphed over the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a final score of 41-34. The game featured several lead changes and defensive touchdowns, highlighting Tennessee’s strength. Mississippi State’s Fluff Bothwell was a standout performer, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Despite early turnovers, Tennessee rallied to take control in overtime, further establishing themselves as a formidable offense in the SEC.

Starkville, MS – The Tennessee Volunteers outlasted the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a thrilling overtime contest, clinching a 41-34 victory at Davis Wade Stadium. This hard-fought win improves Tennessee’s record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, while Mississippi State falls to 4-1, remaining winless at 0-1 in the SEC.

The game was characterized by numerous lead changes that showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, as well as defensive stands that kept the score close throughout. Tennessee faced an uphill battle early in the game, spotting Mississippi State two scores due to turnovers. The opening drive for the Bulldogs ended with a quick touchdown, before a Tennessee interception allowed Mississippi State to extend its lead.

Initially, a pick-six by Tennessee soon equalized the score, making the game level at 17-17 by halftime. A significant highlight of the game was the effectiveness of Mississippi State’s ground attack, with Fluff Bothwell leading the charge with an impressive 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, struggled at times with his passing, throwing two interceptions that contributed to Mississippi State’s scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers, scoring three touchdowns from drives that started close to Tennessee’s end zone at 20, 26, and 27 yards.

With every swing of momentum, Tennessee’s defense rose to the occasion, scoring two touchdowns of its own: one following a Colton Hood interception return and the other from a fumble recovery by Joshua Josephs. A pivotal moment in the fourth quarter came when Tennessee converted a fumbled fake punt attempt by Mississippi State into a touchdown, which allowed the Volunteers to take a 27-24 lead.

The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair, culminating in Mississippi State briefly taking a 34-27 lead. Tennessee fought back valiantly and managed to tie the game at 34-34 with a touchdown run from Aguilar with just 1:55 left in regulation.

In overtime, Tennessee quickly took control, as DeSean Bishop scored a 25-yard touchdown on the first play, setting the stage for the defensive stand that followed. Mississippi State’s last chance to equalize in regulation fell short, as they were unable to score despite having three timeouts left.

This win not only boosts Tennessee’s confidence but also highlights their position as the SEC’s highest-scoring offense thus far in the season. The dramatic nature of the game serves as a reminder of the competitiveness present within the conference.

Game Highlights

• Tennessee won 41-34 in overtime against Mississippi State.
• Tennessee improves to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play.
• Mississippi State stands at 4-1 with an 0-1 SEC record.
• Multiple lead changes characterized the game.
• Tennessee scored two defensive touchdowns.
• Fluff Bothwell rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns for Mississippi State.

Background

This victory marks a critical juncture in the season for Tennessee as they navigate through SEC competition. Both teams demonstrated their strengths and weaknesses in what turned into a nail-biting encounter, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college football.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Tennessee Volunteers Clash with Mississippi State Bulldogs
Tennessee and Mississippi State Set for SEC Showdown
Starkville Prepares for Tennessee Football Matchup
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Additional Resources

• Knox News: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Live Updates
• CBS Sports: Where to Watch Tennessee vs. Mississippi State
• Rocky Top Insider: Tennessee at Mississippi State Live Score
• Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
• WATE: Tennessee Wins Overtime Thriller Against Mississippi 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.