Starkville MS, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a heated matchup, the Mississippi State Bulldogs stunned the highly-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium. Despite facing a tough opponent, the Bulldogs showed remarkable defensive strength and an explosive offensive finale, culminating in a late touchdown that secured their victory. This win marks a significant achievement for Mississippi State, as it was their first triumph against a top 15 nonconference opponent since 1991. As both teams look ahead, Mississippi State aims to maintain momentum, while Arizona State seeks to bounce back in their upcoming game.
Starkville Sizzles as Mississippi State Shokes the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils
In a thrilling showdown that brought the fireworks, the Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled off an upset against the No. 12 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. In a game filled with excitement, tension, and oh-so-epic plays, the Bulldogs clinched a nail-biting victory with a stunning late touchdown.
Game Highlights
Before the game even kicked off, the Sun Devils were looking to flex their muscles, having won their season opener 38-19 against Northern Arizona. Quarterback Sam Leavitt shined in that game, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more. Expectations soared for Arizona State, given their status as the defending Big 12 champions, and bookmakers even had them favored by seven points against Mississippi State.
On the flip side, the Mississippi State Bulldogs were riding high after a convincing 34-17 win over Southern Miss in their opener. Their quarterback, Blake Shapen, was back in action after an injury, completing an impressive 26 of 34 passes for 270 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. With their offense racking up a whopping 465 total yards against Southern Miss, they were eager to show Arizona State what they were made of.
Defensive Dominance
Entering this game, tuning into their defense was crucial for the Bulldogs. They had allowed only 301 total yards in their previous match, and their impressive +12.75 opponent-adjusted explosive play margin had fans buzzing with enthusiasm. Despite some struggles in their opener – notably going just 1-for-10 on third downs – Arizona State’s offense, spearheaded by Leavitt and star receiver Jordyn Tyson, was expected to bring their A-game.
A Game for the Ages
The atmosphere was electric inside Davis Wade Stadium, with nearly 60,000 enthusiastic fans filling the stands, creating an incredibly challenging environment for the visitors. Tensions were heightened as Arizona State’s head coach made some remarks that added to the rivalry flair – and it was clear that both teams wanted to come out on top.
As the game progressed, however, it became apparent that Mississippi State’s defense was up for the challenge. Not only did they effectively contain Leavitt, who struggled with only 10 completions out of 22 attempts for 82 yards, but they also intercepted him twice. With crucial contributions from the Bulldogs’ running backs, Davon Booth and Fluff Bothwell, who combined for 122 rushing yards and three touchdowns, the stage was set for a memorable finale.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mississippi State captured victory with just 30 seconds left on the clock. In a heart-stopping moment, Shapen delivered a dazzling 58-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson that sealed the deal, marking Mississippi State’s first victory against a top 15 nonconference opponent since 1991. Cheers erupted as Bulldogs fans celebrated a monumental victory, while Arizona State was left reflecting on their third-down woes.
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for both teams? Arizona State will host Texas State, looking to bounce back, while Mississippi State gears up to welcome Alcorn State for their next outing. With the way things unfolded in this clash, fans are left wondering if Mississippi State can carry this momentum forward into the next game and if Arizona State can find a way to regain their earlier form.
Wrapping Up
This clash in Starkville was nothing short of a spectacle, underscoring not just the thrill of college football but the unpredictable nature of the sport. With victories that count and memories made, this game will surely be talked about for quite some time!
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs. Arizona State game?
The final score was Mississippi State 29, Arizona State 24.
How did Mississippi State perform on defense?
Mississippi State’s defense excelled, forcing two interceptions and limiting Arizona State’s quarterback to only 82 yards passing.
What do the Bulldogs’ next games look like?
Mississippi State will host Alcorn State in their next game, looking to continue their winning streak.
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Additional Resources
- Arizona Central
- Clarion Ledger
- ESPN Recap
- Newsweek
- Arizona Sports
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Google Search: Arizona State vs Mississippi State football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: Mississippi State Arizona State
- Google Scholar: College Football Mississippi State Arizona State
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.
