Starkville MS, September 28, 2025
News Summary
In a historic night for Mississippi State University athletics, both the soccer and volleyball teams secured impressive victories. The soccer team defeated Missouri 3-0, highlighted by goals from Ally Perry and Kennedy Husbands. Meanwhile, the volleyball team upset No. 19 ranked Florida in a thrilling five-set match, improving their season record to 11-0. Next, the Bulldogs’ football team prepares to face No. 15 Tennessee after these wins.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s athletics program celebrated a historic night as both the soccer and volleyball teams secured impressive victories just ahead of a much-anticipated football showdown against the University of Tennessee. The soccer team triumphed over Missouri with a commanding 3-0 score, while the volleyball team achieved a thrilling upset against the No. 19 ranked Florida, winning in five sets.
The Bulldogs’ soccer team’s performance was highlighted by their first two goals. Ally Perry initiated the scoring by netting the first goal, which impressively bounced off the far post before crossing the line. This was followed closely by a remarkable second goal from Kennedy Husbands, whose strike has been described as potentially the ‘goal of the season’ due to its precise execution and skillful placement. With this goal, Husbands became the 11th different Bulldog to score this season.
On the volleyball court, Mississippi State’s victory marks an impressive achievement, improving their season record to 11-0, which ties for the best start in the program’s history. As one of only six undefeated teams in the nation, the Bulldogs are also one of two SEC squads yet to lose a match this season, alongside Texas.
Despite their notable success, the volleyball team is currently unrecognized in the AVCA Top 25 rankings, receiving no votes. Coach Julie Darty Dennis expressed her pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing their effective teamwork throughout the match.
In the context of SEC soccer, significant upsets took place, with Florida tying against No. 17 Georgia and Kentucky overcoming No. 25 Alabama. Currently, Arkansas leads the SEC standings with 12 points after their win over Ole Miss, while Georgia, Mississippi State, and South Carolina are all tied for second, each boasting 10 points in the league.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs’ soccer and volleyball teams are scheduled to conclude their regular seasons against one another on October 26 in Starkville.
The Mississippi State football team will enter their game against No. 15 Tennessee in high spirits after these two victories. In a tightly contested matchup, the Bulldogs faced off against Tennessee, ultimately losing 41-34 in overtime. Mississippi State briefly led in the fourth quarter before Tennessee equalized with 1:55 left on the clock.
Fluff Bothwell emerged as a standout for Mississippi State, rushing for 134 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Blake Shapen passed for 180 yards, achieving one touchdown while also suffering from significant defensive pressure exerted by Tennessee.
Tennessee concluded the game with a substantial offensive output of 466 yards, which is pivotal for their playoff aspirations. Following the close loss to the Volunteers, Mississippi State will turn their focus to their upcoming game against Texas A&M set for October 4.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What was the score of the soccer game between Mississippi State and Missouri? | The Bulldogs’ soccer team defeated Missouri 3-0. |
| How did the volleyball team perform against Florida? | The Bulldogs’ volleyball team upset No. 19 Florida in five sets. |
| When is the Mississippi State football team scheduled to play Tennessee? | The Bulldogs’ football team is scheduled to play No. 15 Tennessee the following day. |
| What notable achievements did Ally Perry and Kennedy Husbands accomplish during the soccer game? | Ally Perry scored the first goal that bounced off the far post and into the net. Kennedy Husbands scored the second goal, which was described as potentially the ‘goal of the season’. |
| What is Mississippi State volleyball’s season record as of now? | The volleyball team improved their season record to 11-0, which is tied for the best start in program history. |
| How many undefeated teams are in the nation along with Mississippi State volleyball? | Mississippi State volleyball is one of six undefeated teams in the nation, along with Texas as the only other undefeated SEC team. |
| What is the SEC standings position of Mississippi State Soccer? | Georgia, Mississippi State, and South Carolina are all tied for second place with 10 points in the SEC standings. |
| What was the result of the football game against Tennessee? | In the football game against No. 15 Tennessee, the Bulldogs lost 41-34 in overtime. |
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Soccer Team Victory | Defeated Missouri 3-0 |
| Volleyball Team Victory | Upset No. 19 Florida in five sets |
| Football Game Outcome | Lost 41-34 to No. 15 Tennessee in overtime |
| Ally Perry’s Goal | Bounced off far post |
| Kennedy Husbands’ Goal | Potential ‘goal of the season’ |
| Volleyball Record | Tied for best start in program history at 11-0 |
| SEC Standing of Soccer | Tied for second place with Georgia and South Carolina, 10 points |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Football Shows Early Promise Under New Coaching Strategy
Mississippi State Soccer Secures Comeback Tie Against Auburn
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Northern Illinois in 38-10 Victory
Mississippi State Secures Narrow Victory Over Tennessee
Starkville School Board Approves MOU for New High School
Northern Illinois Huskies Prepare for Mississippi State Matchup
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Hosts Tennessee Volunteers
Competition for Clarion Ledger Athlete of the Week Intensifies
Mississippi State Volleyball Starts Season with Strong Victories
North Alabama Volleyball Team Competes at Maroon & White Invite
Additional Resources
- SI.com: Reactions and Takeaways from Mississippi State’s Victorious Friday Night
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Hail State: Football State Falls in OT to No. 15 Tennessee
- Google Search: Mississippi State football
- Fox Sports: No. 15 Tennessee Rallies to Beat Mississippi State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- MassLive: Where to Watch Tennessee Football vs Mississippi State
- Google News: Mississippi State soccer
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.
