Nashville, TN, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee football team claimed a hard-fought 41-34 overtime victory against Mississippi State, improving their record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC. Key defensive plays, including two defensive touchdowns, helped seal the win. DeSean Bishop’s 25-yard touchdown run in overtime and Joey Aguilar’s performance highlighted the thrilling matchup, marking Tennessee’s first interception return for a touchdown since 2024. Tennessee will now prepare for an upcoming game against Arkansas.
Nashville, TN – The No. 15 Tennessee football team achieved a thrilling 41-34 victory over Mississippi State in overtime on September 27, pushing their overall record to 4-1 and their Southeastern Conference (SEC) record to 1-1. In contrast, Mississippi State dropped to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the SEC after the defeat.
Tennessee’s victory was bolstered by a series of key defensive plays. The Volunteers scored two defensive touchdowns during the contest, including one in the first quarter when Colton Hood intercepted a pass from Mississippi State’s quarterback Blake Shapen and returned it for a touchdown. This marked the team’s first interception return for a touchdown since September 2024.
In a high-stakes moment during overtime, Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop dashed into the end zone with a 25-yard touchdown on the first play of the extra period. This critical score set the stage for Tennessee’s defense to seal the win. Linebacker Arion Carter played a pivotal role by stopping Mississippi State’s fourth-down pass attempt in the end zone, ensuring the Volunteers maintained their slim lead in the overtime session.
The matchup was characterized by significant momentum swings, with both teams experiencing turnovers that shifted the game’s flow. Tennessee faced challenges early in the game, including a missed punt by Braylon Staley that allowed Mississippi State to recover at the Tennessee 20-yard line, leading to an early touchdown. After falling behind 17-10, Tennessee managed to tie the game at halftime with a touchdown.
Tennessee’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, completed 24 of 40 passes for 335 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His two interceptions directly resulted in touchdowns for Mississippi State after both were tipped, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game. Despite these setbacks, Aguilar successfully rushed for a 6-yard touchdown to tie the game at 34 with just 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. He extended his remarkable streak of passing for at least 200 yards in all 29 starts of his Division I career, which is the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The defensive effort from Tennessee was notable, with the team recording five sacks throughout the game. Mississippi State also found success on the ground, rushing for a total of 198 yards, aided by the strong performance of their 230-pound running back, Fluff Bothwell.
Following this exciting overtime win, Tennessee will enjoy an open week before returning to action against Arkansas on October 11, while Mississippi State will look to rebound from the loss.
Game Summary
- Date: September 27
- Final Score: Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34 (Overtime)
- Tennessee Record: 4-1 overall, 1-1 SEC
- Mississippi State Record: 4-1 overall, 0-1 SEC
Key Player Performances
- Joey Aguilar: 24 completions, 40 attempts, 335 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- DeSean Bishop: 25-yard touchdown run in overtime
- Arion Carter: Defense’s pivotal stop on fourth down
- Colton Hood: Interception return for touchdown
Upcoming Schedule
- Tennessee: Next game on October 11 against Arkansas
FAQs
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34 after overtime.
When did the game take place?
The game took place on September 27.
What records do both teams have after the game?
Tennessee’s record improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 4-1 and 0-1 in the SEC.
Who were the key players in the game?
Key players included Joey Aguilar, DeSean Bishop, Arion Carter, and Colton Hood.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34 (Overtime) |
| Tennessee Record | 4-1 overall, 1-1 SEC |
| Mississippi State Record | 4-1 overall, 0-1 SEC |
| Defensive Touchdowns | Two defensive touchdowns by Tennessee |
| Key Player: Joey Aguilar | 24 of 40 passes for 335 yards, 1 TD, 2 interceptions |
| Next Game Date | October 11 against Arkansas |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Football First and 10 to Know State vs Tennessee
- Knox News: SEC Football Game Live Today 2025
- Rocky Top Insider: No. 15 Tennessee at Mississippi State Live Score
- Sports Illustrated: Instant Reaction – Another Top 15 Team Goes Down in Starkville
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Google Search: Tennessee Football September 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Volunteers
- Google News: Tennessee Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
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