Knoxville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee football team achieved a thrilling 41-34 victory over Mississippi State in overtime, enhancing their record to 4-1, while the Bulldogs fell to 4-1. Key defensive plays led to two touchdowns, including an interception return by Colton Hood. DeSean Bishop clinched the win with a 25-yard touchdown run in overtime, capping off a nail-biting contest that saw the teams tied at 34-34 after regulation. Tennessee now looks ahead to hosting Arkansas after an open week.
KNOXVILLE – The No. 15 Tennessee football team secured a thrilling 41-34 overtime victory against Mississippi State on September 27, 2025. The win improved Tennessee’s record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 4-1 and 0-1 in conference play.
The game featured dramatic momentum shifts and a combined total of five turnovers. Tennessee’s defense played a key role, scoring two defensive touchdowns during the match. Colton Hood returned an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter, while Joshua Josephs returned a fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, showcasing the team’s strong defensive prowess.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop scored the winning touchdown in overtime with an impressive 25-yard run on the first play of the period. The game remained close, ending regulation tied at 34-34, pushing the teams into overtime for a thrilling finish.
Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter played a pivotal role in clinching the victory by batting down quarterback Blake Shapen‘s fourth-down pass in the end zone. Quarterback Joey Aguilar passed for 335 yards, completing 24 of 40 passes, throwing for one touchdown, and post two interceptions while also rushing for a 6-yard touchdown that tied the game late in regulation.
The Bulldogs’ performance was highlighted by running back Fluff Bothwell, who rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Davon Booth also contributed with another rushing touchdown. Despite Tennessee’s notable pass rush, which recorded five sacks against Shapen, they struggled against Mississippi State’s rushing game, which totaled 198 yards.
The first half of the game ended tied at 17-17, with UT initially leading 10-7 after Hood’s interception return. The fourth quarter saw a wild sequence of plays, where Tennessee took the lead with a defensive touchdown, only for Mississippi State to respond quickly with a touchdown pass, tying the game once again.
After this intense matchup, Tennessee is set to enter an open week before hosting Arkansas on October 11, 2025. Coach Josh Heupel acknowledged making critical errors in clock management during the final drive of regulation, a factor that sparked discussions surrounding game-time strategies.
Remarkably, this game marked the first interception return for a touchdown for Tennessee since Will Brooks’ pick-six against NC State in September 2024. The victory against Mississippi State highlighted Tennessee’s resilience and determination despite encountering numerous setbacks throughout the game.
Game Summary
- Tennessee Record: 4-1 overall, 1-1 SEC
- Mississippi State Record: 4-1 overall, 0-1 SEC
- Final Score: Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34 (OT)
Key Player Stats
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Joey Aguilar | Quarterback | 335 yards, 24/40, 1 TD, 2 INT, 6-yard rush TD |
| DeSean Bishop | Running Back | Winning TD (25-yard run) |
| Colton Hood | Defensive Back | 1 INT return TD |
| Joshua Josephs | Defensive Player | 1 Fumble return TD |
| Fluff Bothwell | Running Back | 134 rushing yards, 2 TDs |
Next Game
Tennessee’s next matchup will be against Arkansas on October 11, 2025, following an open week.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State game?
The final score was Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34 in overtime.
What are the updated records for Tennessee and Mississippi State after the game?
Tennessee improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 4-1 and 0-1 in conference play.
Who scored the winning touchdown for Tennessee?
DeSean Bishop scored the winning touchdown with a 25-yard run in overtime.
How did the game end after regulation time?
The game ended tied at 34-34 at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
What significant defensive plays did Tennessee make during the game?
Tennessee scored two defensive touchdowns: one from an interception return by Colton Hood and another from a fumble return by Joshua Josephs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Mississippi State Players Compete in MLB Postseason
Mississippi State University Partners with SOCSD for New High School
New Starkville High School to Transform Education
Partnership to Build New High School in Starkville
Tennessee Triumphs Over Mississippi State in Overtime
Texas A&M Football Defeats Auburn in Tight Contest
Mississippi State University and SOCSD Collaborate on New High School
Mississippi State Falls to Tennessee in Overtime Showdown
Starkville High School Plans Exclude MSMS
Mississippi State Football Falls in Overtime to No. 15 Tennessee
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Game Highlights
- Sports Illustrated: Tennessee’s New Rankings Position
- Hail State: Mississippi State Falls to Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Google Search: Tennessee 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.
