Starkville MS, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a dramatic college football clash, Arizona State Sun Devils faced a crushing last-minute defeat against Mississippi State Bulldogs, ending the game at 24-20. The Bulldogs took an early lead, but ASU fought back to gain a 20-17 advantage before a pivotal touchdown pass flipped the outcome. Missteps and injuries plagued ASU, but standout performances showcased their potential for the season ahead as they look to bounce back against Texas State.
Sun Devil Heartbreak in Starkville: Last-Minute Loss to Bulldogs
Starkville, Mississippi, was the scene of an intense college football showdown on September 6, 2025, as the Arizona State Sun Devils faced off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In a game that felt like a rollercoaster ride, ASU tasted victory just before a shocking twist left them crushed, with a final score of 24-20 in favor of the Bulldogs.
Early Dominance by the Bulldogs
The matchup kicked off with the Mississippi State Bulldogs taking control right from the start. They jumped ahead with a commanding 17-0 lead, leaving fans and players alike buzzing with anticipation. However, little did they know that ASU was gearing up for a comeback of epic proportions.
Sun Devils Strike Back
With grit and determination, the Sun Devils rallied, putting together a staggering 17-play, 95-yard drive that culminated in a field goal. This impressive offensive march was just the beginning. The Sun Devils quickly found their rhythm, scoring 20 unanswered points, flipping the score to lead 20-17 with just 1:38 left in the game. Could it be that ASU was on the brink of a triumphant turnaround?
Clutch Moments for Mississippi State
But the Bulldogs weren’t ready to give up. In a thrilling twist, Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen connected on a breathtaking 58-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Evans III with only 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Just like that, the Bulldogs snatched the victory from the jaws of defeat, leaving the Sun Devils stunned.
Stats That Tell a Story
Looking at the stats, ASU’s quarterback Sam Leavitt had a challenging day. He completed 10 of 22 passes for 82 yards, with one touchdown but also two interceptions, which proved costly. On a brighter note, the running game was impressive, with Raleek Brown racking up 110 yards on 18 carries and Kanye Udoh adding 105 yards on 23 carries, especially significant as starting RB Kyson Brown exited early due to injury.
Time of possession was firmly in ASU’s favor, with the Sun Devils dominating the clock, holding the ball for an impressive 37:57 while Mississippi State had it for just 22:03. This speaks volumes about ASU’s efforts to control the game—but without results.
Highlight Performances
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was a standout star for ASU, amassing 12 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns, helping keep his team in the game. Mississippi State’s Shapen, facing heavy pressure from ASU’s defense, still managed to throw for over 200 yards, showcasing his resilience under fire.
Challenges and Controversies
The game also brought upon some challenges, with both teams needing to tap into their defensive depth, especially considering the humid conditions and fatigue. ASU was not without its struggles, as starting WR Jalen Moss and EDGE Justin Wodtly missed the game due to undisclosed ailments. Furthermore, the officiating received scrutiny, especially on one disputed penalty during a Mississippi State touchdown, adding to the tension in this already thrilling encounter.
Moving Forward
In the end, the heartbreak for ASU was sealed when Leavitt threw a last-minute interception, thwarting any hopes of a comeback. As the Sun Devils look to regroup, they’ll seek answers and solutions ahead of their next matchup with Texas State. This loss, while painful, showcased their potential and fueled the drive to improve. Football, as they say, is a game of inches—and every inch will count as the season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
Mississippi State beat Arizona State with a final score of 24-20.
Who were the key performers in the game?
Key performers included ASU’s Jordyn Tyson with 12 receptions for 141 yards and Sam Leavitt with one touchdown. For Mississippi State, Blake Shapen threw a pivotal 58-yard touchdown pass.
What were the major turning points during the game?
The major turning points included ASU’s comeback to take a 20-17 lead and the last-minute touchdown by Mississippi State that sealed the victory.
What is next for Arizona State?
ASU will look to bounce back from this loss in their upcoming game against Texas State.
Key Game Highlights
| Feature | Arizona State Sun Devils | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 20 | 24 |
| Time of Possession | 37:57 | 22:03 |
| Quarterback Stats | Sam Leavitt: 10/22, 82 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT | Blake Shapen: Over 200 Yards, 1 TD |
| Top Rusher | Raleek Brown: 110 Yards | N/A |
| Top Receiver | Jordyn Tyson: 141 Yards, 2 TDs | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona State Sun Devils Fall to Mississippi State Bulldogs
Starkville Prepares for a College Football Clash
Starkville Prepares for Week 2 College Football Clash
Additional Resources
- College Football News: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Preview
- AZCentral: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Score Updates
- USA Today Sportsbook Wire: Arizona State at Mississippi State Odds & Predictions
- Hail State: First and 10 to Know – State vs. Arizona State
- Sports Illustrated: ASU Sun Devils vs. Mississippi State Preview
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Google Search: Arizona State versus Mississippi State football
- Google Scholar: Arizona State football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Arizona State 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.
