Starkville MS, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs delivered a powerful performance, defeating Alcorn State 63-0 at Davis Wade Stadium. This shutout win marks the Bulldogs’ first since 2017, improving their season record to 3-0. Led by quarterback Blake Shapen’s impressive stats and standout plays from both new and returning players, Mississippi State established a significant halftime lead of 42-0. Despite the win, they were challenged with injuries to key players. The Bulldogs are set to face Northern Illinois next as they aim to continue their strong start to the season.
Starkville, MS – Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State in 63-0 Shutout Victory
The Mississippi State Bulldogs showcased an impressive performance on September 13, defeating Alcorn State with a resounding score of 63-0 at Davis Wade Stadium. This victory marks the Bulldogs’ first shutout win since a 49-0 rout of Charleston Southern in 2017 and improves their season record to 3-0 for the first time since 2018.
From the onset, Mississippi State asserted their dominance on the field, scoring touchdowns on their first four offensive possessions. By halftime, they had established a commanding lead of 42-0. The Bulldogs displayed a potent offense, highlighted by quarterback Blake Shapen, who threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another, completing 10 of 14 passes for a total of 173 yards, despite recording one interception.
Notable plays included a trick play where true freshman Kamario Taylor threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson for his first career touchdown. Running back Fluff Bothwell was a standout performer, scoring two touchdowns, with a particularly impressive 25-yard rush for his second touchdown in the first half. Additional touchdowns came from Xavier Gayten with a 25-yard touchdown run and backup quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, who added another with a 3-yard rush. Running back Seth Davis capped the scoring with a 23-yard rushing touchdown with just 3:30 remaining in the game.
Game Penalties and Adjustments
Due to the significant score differential, both head coaches agreed to shorten the second half to 10-minute quarters, reducing the standard duration from 15 minutes. This decision allowed for a smoother flow and ultimately secured a quicker finish to the game.
Injuries Impacting the Bulldogs
Despite the success on the field, Mississippi State faced challenges with injuries, as starting right tackle Blake Steen and defensive lineman Will Whitson were confirmed out for the season. Additionally, players Jett Jefferson and Stonka Burnside did not dress for the game due to undisclosed injuries, impacting the team’s depth.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs are set to host Northern Illinois University next on September 20th, with kickoff scheduled for 3:15 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network, providing fans the opportunity to see if the Bulldogs can continue their strong season start.
Summary of Game Statistics
- Total Score: Mississippi State 63, Alcorn State 0
- Mississippi State Record: 3-0
- Touchdowns: 8 (including 2 from Fluff Bothwell)
- Quarterback: Blake Shapen, 10/14 for 173 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- New Players Impact: Kamario Taylor (1 TD pass)
- Injuries: Blake Steen and Will Whitson out for the season
Key Game Highlights
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Shapen | Quarterback | 10/14, 173 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| Fluff Bothwell | Running Back | 2 TDs (25-yard rush, others) |
| Kamario Taylor | Freshman | 1 TD pass (42 yards) |
| Seth Davis | Running Back | 1 TD (23-yard rush) |
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Mississippi State 63, Alcorn State 0.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Quarterback Blake Shapen, running back Fluff Bothwell, and true freshman Kamario Taylor were standout performers.
When does Mississippi State play next?
Mississippi State will host Northern Illinois University on September 20 at 3:15 p.m.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starkville Dominates Alcorn State in a Blowout Victory
Mississippi State University Fined for Field Storming Incident
Brenen Thompson’s Game-Winning Touchdown Secures Victory for Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset Arizona State in Dramatic Finish
Mississippi State Football Prepares for Alcorn State Showdown
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Hosts Tennessee Volunteers
Mississippi State Upsets No. 12 Arizona State
Starkville Celebrates Historic Win Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Baseball Schedule Unveiled
Starkville Celebrates Thrilling Bulldogs Upset Against Arizona State
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Live Updates
- Clarion Ledger: Seth Davis Injury Update
- C Dispatch: Rapid Recap
- WTOK: First Shutout Since 2017
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
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.
