Starkville MS, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs registered an impressive 3-2 victory over the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, propelling them to No. 12 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. This marks a significant achievement for the Bulldogs, who were previously unranked. The win comes as Mississippi State prepares for their upcoming match against the Texas Longhorns, while Tennessee dropped to No. 5 in the rankings. The Bulldogs aim to sustain their momentum as they face three more ranked teams this season.
Mississippi State Claims Victory and Rises in Rankings after Stunning Tennessee
Starkville, MS – The Mississippi State Bulldogs have made quite a splash in the world of women’s soccer, upsetting the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers with a thrilling 3-2 victory. This remarkable win not only showcased the Bulldogs’ prowess on the field but has also catapulted them to the stunning rank of No. 12 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, a noteworthy leap for a team that had not been ranked previously!
Following their impressive performance against the Volunteers, Mississippi State also advanced from No. 21 to No. 13 in the TopDrawerSoccer top 25. Tennessee, on the other hand, faced the fall from grace, dropping to No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 3 in the TopDrawerSoccer poll after their loss. It seems the Bulldogs have certainly set the tone for a competitive season.
Mississippi State is now one of seven Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams that find themselves ranked. While the Volunteers retain their status as the highest-ranked SEC team, the Bulldogs proudly sit at No. 12, joining other notable teams like Arkansas at No. 10, South Carolina at No. 15, Vanderbilt at No. 17, Georgia at No. 21, and Oklahoma at No. 24.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs have only three more scheduled games against ranked teams. They’ll be suiting up against Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Georgia, with two of these exciting match-ups being played at home in Starkville. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how Mississippi State performs against these formidable opponents!
Next up, the Bulldogs will face the Texas Longhorns on Thursday night in Austin. Texas has struggled this season, currently holding a record of 2-5-1. Their only victories have come against Long Beach State and College of Charleston. Interestingly, both teams faced defeats against Baylor—Mississippi State succumbed to a 2-0 loss, while Texas fell 1-0.
As Mississippi State prepares to take on Texas, fans will be watching to see if the Bulldogs can maintain their momentum. The Longhorns’ top goal scorers, Ava McDonald and Amalia Villarreal, are worth noting, with McDonald netting 4 goals and Villarreal adding 3 goals to the scoreboard. Texas goalkeeper Mateya Dessieux has had a tough season, with a goals-against average of 2.13, having allowed 17 goals while making 40 saves.
Match Details
- Teams: No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-1, 1-0 SEC) vs. Texas Longhorns (2-5-1, 0-1 SEC)
- Date: 7 p.m. Thursday
- Location: Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field, Austin, Texas
- Broadcast: ESPN, Live Radio, Live Stats
Mississippi State currently leads the series against Texas with a 1-0 record, with their last encounter resulting in a tight 1-0 victory for the Bulldogs on September 22, 2024. As anticipation builds for Thursday’s game, it remains to be seen if Mississippi State can keep their winning streak alive and continue climbing up the rankings!
FAQs
What was the result of the match between Mississippi State and Tennessee?
Mississippi State upset then-No. 1 Tennessee with a 3-2 victory.
Where does Mississippi State rank following their victory?
The Bulldogs have moved up to No. 12 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll after not being ranked previously.
What is Mississippi State’s next game?
Mississippi State’s next game is against the Texas Longhorns on Thursday night in Austin.
What is the current record of the Texas Longhorns?
Texas has struggled this season, with only two wins against Long Beach State and College of Charleston.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Mississippi State 3, Tennessee 2 |
| Ranking Jump | No. 12 in United Soccer Coaches Poll, No. 13 in TopDrawerSoccer Poll |
| Next Game | Vs. Texas Longhorns, Thursday at 7 p.m. |
| Opponent Record | Texas: 2-5-1 (0-1 SEC) |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Knock Off No. 1 Tennessee
- SI: How to Watch No. 12 Mississippi State Soccer at Texas
- UTSports: Tennessee Drops Road Match at Mississippi State
- NIU Huskies: Football Set for Saturday Showdown at Mississippi State
- NCAA: Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Upsets Tennessee
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.


