Starkville MS, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University’s football team achieved a stunning victory over No. 12 Arizona State, winning 24-20 at Davis Wade Stadium. The game featured a dramatic last-minute touchdown pass from Blake Shapen to Brenen Thompson, followed by a critical interception by Hunter Washington. While fans celebrated the unexpected win by storming the field, the SEC imposed a $500,000 fine for the violation. This victory marked the Bulldogs’ first triumph over a top-15 non-conference opponent since 1991.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s football team shocked the college football world by defeating the No. 12 Arizona State University Sun Devils 24-20 on September 6. The thrilling victory unfolded at Davis Wade Stadium, marking a significant achievement for the Bulldogs as it was their first win over a top-15 non-conference opponent since 1991.
The game was defined by a nail-biting finish, where Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen threw a spectacular 58-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson with only 30 seconds left on the clock, clinching the win. The excitement escalated further when Hunter Washington intercepted Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt on the ensuing possession, sealing the victory for Mississippi State.
Following the win, jubilant fans poured onto the field, celebrating by tearing down the goalposts at the north end zone. However, this enthusiastic display came with a consequence; the Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced that Mississippi State would face a $500,000 fine for violating the competition area policy because fans stormed the field before game officials and opposing players had departed. The fine, which is a new flat rate established by recent SEC regulations, will contribute to the SEC’s postgraduate scholarship fund, as it was a non-conference game.
Although the Mississippi State Bulldogs dominated the first half, taking a commanding 17-0 lead, Arizona State showcased resilience in the second half. The Sun Devils scored a 6-yard touchdown run and a subsequent 2-yard touchdown pas to tie the game at 20-20. Just before halftime, Arizona State’s Jesus Gomez kicked a 51-yard field goal, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Shapen displayed exceptional skill throughout the game, completing 19 of his 33 attempts for a total of 279 passing yards and three touchdowns. Brenen Thompson emerged as a standout player with six receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while his teammate Anthony Evans III added nine catches for 108 yards and one touchdown.
After a missed opportunity by Mississippi State, where they had to punt, Arizona State managed a long drive of 95 yards. However, motivated by a solid goal-line defense, Mississippi State forced Arizona State to settle for an 18-yard field goal instead of a touchdown.
This dramatic victory began a four-game homestand for Mississippi State, with upcoming matches against Alcorn State and Northern Illinois. The Bulldogs will also face several ranked teams at home, and fans are hopeful of another chance to storm the field if another upset occurs.
In summary, the matchup highlighted not only Mississippi State’s athletic prowess but also the electrifying atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium, as State’s head coach noted as being “Davis Wade Stadium at its finest.” Despite the fine incurred for field storming, the excitement of the victory left a lasting impact on players and fans alike.
FAQs
- What was the score of the Mississippi State vs. Arizona State game?
Mississippi State won 24-20 against Arizona State. - Where did the game take place?
The game occurred at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. - Who scored the game-winning touchdown?
Blake Shapen threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson with 30 seconds remaining. - What was the fine imposed on Mississippi State for fans storming the field?
Mississippi State was fined $500,000 due to a violation of the SEC’s competition area policy. - What are the upcoming games for Mississippi State?
Mississippi State has upcoming games against Alcorn State and Northern Illinois. - Has Mississippi State played against a ranked opponent before?
This victory marked Mississippi State’s first win over a top-15 non-conference opponent since 1991.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mississippi State Triumphs Over Arizona State at Home
Mississippi State Upsets No. 10 Arizona State 24-20
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Arizona State Sun Devils Fall to Mississippi State Bulldogs
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: A New Day Dawns for Dawgs Everywhere
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Storm Field Fine
- USA Today: Mississippi State vs. Arizona State Field Storm
- AZ Central: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Game Updates
- Wikipedia: 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.
