Starkville MS, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In a stellar performance, the Mississippi State Bulldogs shut out the Alcorn State Braves 63-0 during Week 3 of the college football season. This marks the largest victory margin for the Bulldogs since 1950. Quarterback Blake Shapen led the offense with a 75-yard touchdown on the first play, while running back Fluff Bothwell contributed significantly to the win with 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The game showcased the Bulldogs’ offensive strength and defensive prowess, as they improved to a perfect 3-0 record, heading into their next game against Northern Illinois.
Starkville, MS – The Mississippi State Bulldogs showcased a commanding performance by defeating the Alcorn State Braves 63-0 in a dominant display during Week 3 of the college football season. This victory marks Mississippi State’s largest margin of victory since a 67-0 triumph against Arkansas State in 1950, and it was the team’s first shutout since 2017.
The Bulldogs wasted no time establishing their dominance, scoring on the very first play of the game, a remarkable 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Shapen to wide receiver Jordan Mosley. Mississippi State’s offense continued to click throughout the game, scoring a touchdown on nine of their 13 possessions and finishing with a total of 514 yards of offense.
The Bulldogs were ahead 42-0 by halftime, leading Alcorn State to agree to shorten the final two quarters to 10 minutes each. The offense was well-balanced, with running back Fluff Bothwell leading the rushing attack, recording 93 yards on 12 carries and finding the end zone twice. A significant highlight of the game was the collective effort as eight different players scored touchdowns.
While Mississippi State’s offense flourished, the Braves struggled to advance their offense, managing only 155 total yards. Alcorn State had just one drive that made it into Mississippi State territory, which ended in disappointment with a missed 36-yard field goal attempt. The Braves also faced difficulties with ball security, committing three turnovers throughout the game.
Another significant aspect of the game was the emergence of new talent, as 16 players made their debut for Mississippi State, including 10 true freshmen. The Bulldogs are currently undefeated with a record of 3-0 and received 27 votes in the US LBM Coaches Poll, placing them at No. 34.
Head coach Jeff Lebby emphasized the team’s energy and focus in executing the game plan, although he acknowledged potential areas for improvement. Mississippi State is gearing up for their next challenge, facing Northern Illinois on September 20 at 3:15 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium.
Game Overview
- Final Score: Mississippi State 63, Alcorn State 0
- Mississippi State’s offensive yards: 514
- Total touchdowns scored: 9 different players scored
- Alcorn State’s total offensive yards: 155
- Turnovers by Alcorn State: 3
- Mississippi State’s next game: September 20 against Northern Illinois
Key Players
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Shapen | Quarterback | 10-of-14 passes, 173 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD |
| Fluff Bothwell | Running Back | 93 yards, 12 carries, 2 TDs |
| Jordan Mosley | Wide Receiver | 75 yards, 1 TD (first play of the game) |
Team Stats
| Stat | Mississippi State | Alcorn State |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 24 | 5 |
| Total Yards | 514 | 155 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 35:14 | 24:46 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the game between Mississippi State and Alcorn State?
Who was the standout player for Mississippi State in this game?
When is Mississippi State’s next game?
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Additional Resources
- Hail State News
- 247 Sports
- Clarion Ledger
- Sports Illustrated
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
