Starkville MS, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs, despite a strong 4-0 start to the season, remain unranked in both the AP Top 25 Poll and the US LBM Coaches Poll. Their latest victory over Northern Illinois showcased their competitive edge, but they lag behind in national recognition. With upcoming challenges, particularly in their SEC opener against Tennessee, the Bulldogs aim to improve their standings and secure bowl eligibility amid high expectations from fans.
Starkville, Mississippi – Despite an impressive start to the season, the Mississippi State Bulldogs remain unranked in the AP Top 25 Poll and the US LBM Coaches Poll. The team’s 4-0 record is their best since 2014, yet these performances have not translated into national recognition.
Most recently, the Bulldogs secured a decisive victory against Northern Illinois, winning 38-10, further showcasing their competitive prowess. This win builds on their notable triumph over then-No. 12 Arizona State, which many consider a quality win that should enhance their standings among college football teams.
In the latest AP Top 25 Poll, Mississippi State earned 102 votes, making them the second most-voted team outside of the ranking. This reflects a gain of 33 votes from the previous week. Currently, they trail behind No. 25 ranked BYU, which received 131 votes, and Auburn, with 122 votes, placing Mississippi State third among unranked teams. In the Coaches Poll, they garnered 57 votes, marking a 30-vote increase, but still rank behind Louisville (67 votes), Utah (99 votes), and Arizona State (104 votes).
While the Bulldogs have shown resilience, experts believe they need more dominant performances to improve their chances of breaking into the rankings. Of their four wins this season, only one, against Alcorn State, an FCS school, was a convincing victory. The team led Southern Miss and Northern Illinois only slightly at halftime before stretching out to double-digit wins in both games. Additionally, Mississippi State faltered in the second half against Arizona State, failing to maintain their strong performance from the first half.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will face a challenging opponent in their SEC opener at home against Tennessee. The Bulldogs are predicted to have a tough contest, with Tennessee favored by 10.5 points, making it a crucial game for Mississippi State’s season trajectory.
The Bulldogs’ chances of achieving bowl eligibility are bolstered by their current 4-0 record and the state of their upcoming SEC opponents. With Florida struggling at 1-3 and Arkansas sitting at 2-2, there are several opportunities for Mississippi State to achieve additional wins, which could further enhance their national standing.
The ongoing ranking challenges might stem from how preseason rankings and past performances shape voter perceptions. Despite this, Mississippi State fans are encouraged to remain optimistic as the team progresses deeper into the season, hopeful that continued success will eventually lead to a well-deserved ranking.
Key Performance Statistics
- Current Record: 4-0
- Last Game: Victory over Northern Illinois (38-10)
- Previous Notable Win: Against then-No. 12 Arizona State
- AP Top 25 Poll Votes: 102 (2nd most unranked)
- Coaches Poll Votes: 57
- Next Game: SEC opener against Tennessee
Upcoming Challenges
- Mississippi State’s performance against Tennessee will be pivotal.
- Opportunities against struggling teams like Florida and Arkansas loom ahead.
Date of Article: October 2023
FAQ Section
Why is Mississippi State unranked despite being undefeated?
Mississippi State has not been ranked in either the AP Top 25 Poll or the US LBM Coaches Poll since finishing the 2022 season ranked No. 25 in both polls, despite holding a current record of 4-0.
What is Mississippi State’s record this season?
The Bulldogs are currently 4-0, marking their best start since 2014.
What are Mississippi State’s notable wins this season?
Mississippi State has a recognized quality win over then-No. 12 Arizona State and most recently defeated Northern Illinois with a final score of 38-10.
How many votes did Mississippi State receive in the AP Top 25 Poll?
Mississippi State received 102 votes in the AP Top 25 Poll, which is the second most of teams outside of the ranking.
What is Mississippi State’s next game?
The Bulldogs’ next game will be their SEC opener at home against Tennessee.
How does this season affect Mississippi State’s bowl eligibility?
The Bulldogs’ chances to become bowl-eligible improve with their current record and the state of their upcoming SEC opponents.
What challenges does Mississippi State face in upcoming games?
The Bulldogs are predicted to have a tough contest with Tennessee, who is favored by 10.5 points.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Northern Illinois in 38-10 Victory
Mississippi State Soccer Team Ends Winning Streak with Draw Against Auburn
Mississippi State Football Aims for 4-0 Start
Mississippi High School Football Week 4 Highlights
Mississippi State University Dominates Northern Illinois in Starkville
Mississippi State Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against NIU
Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for Showdown with Northern Illinois Huskies
Mississippi State Bulldogs Preparing for Northern Illinois Huskies Showdown
Mississippi State Claims Victory and Rises in Rankings
Anticipation Builds for Mississippi State Baseball Season
Additional Resources
- USA Today: SEC Football Power Rankings
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Bowl Dreams
- ESPN: Game Recap
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs 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.
