Mississippi State Fined Following Fans Rushing the Field

Starkville, Mississippi, September 9, 2025

News Summary

Mississippi State University faced a $500,000 fine from the SEC after fans stormed the field following a thrilling football victory over Arizona State. The game marked a significant achievement for the Bulldogs, who secured their first win against a top-15 nonconference opponent since 1991. The incident, which involved fans tearing down goalposts, breached SEC policies aimed at ensuring player safety as the team continues to strive for success this season.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University has been levied a fine of $500,000 by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after a chaotic scene unfolded during their recent football game where fans rushed the field. This incident occurred following the Bulldogs’ victory over then-No. 12 Arizona State on September 6, 2025, with a final score of 24-20.

The win was significant for Mississippi State as it was their first triumph against a top-15 nonconference opponent since 1991. The game marked head coach Jeff Lebby’s first major victory at the helm of the Bulldogs, injecting enthusiasm and celebration among the players and fanbase alike. As the clock reached its final seconds, quarterback Blake Shapen connected with Brenen Thompson for a decisive 58-yard touchdown pass, shifting the lead back to Mississippi State just moments after Arizona State had briefly pulled ahead.

In terms of gameplay, Mississippi State controlled much of the match, showcasing a strong performance. By halftime, they had outgained Arizona State 209 yards to 95 yards, establishing a commanding 17-0 lead. Arizona State’s quarterback, Sam Leavitt, faced significant challenges throughout the contest, successfully completing only 10 of 22 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions. Despite that, running back Raleek Brown shone for Arizona State, procuring 110 yards on the ground while Kanye Udoh contributed with 105 yards and a touchdown.

The SEC’s fine stems from the conference’s stricter policies implemented in the summer of 2025 regarding fans storming the field. Following this win, supporters rushed the field, ultimately tearing down the goalposts at Davis Wade Stadium. The SEC has instituted a flat fine for such incidents, which will be redirected to the SEC’s postgraduate scholarship fund, as Mississippi State’s game against Arizona State was part of a nonconference schedule. According to SEC rules, a penalty can be waived if officials and opposing team members successfully exit the field before fans rush in; however, this condition was not met as fans entered the field first.

The Bulldogs’ victory is notable not only for the on-field success but also as a morale boost for a program that experienced a rough season previously, finishing with a 7-17 record. Following the win, the team is gearing up for more challenges, with upcoming games against ranked opponents that could potentially lead to further field storming incidents. Their next game is scheduled against Alcorn State on September 13, 2025.

As the season progresses, Mississippi State’s continued success may affect both the team’s standings in the SEC and their fan engagement, as the euphoria from an upset victory over a ranked team shows the passion of Bulldogs supporters.

Key Game Statistics

• Final Score: Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 20
• Mississippi State’s Quarterback: Blake Shapen
• Winning Touchdown Pass: 58 yards
• Mississippi State First Half Yards: 209
• Arizona State First Half Yards: 95
• Raleek Brown Rushing Yards: 110
• Kanye Udoh Rushing Yards: 105
• Fines Imposed: $500,000

Upcoming Matches

• September 13, 2025: Mississippi State vs. Alcorn State

FAQ

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HERE Resources

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Mississippi State University Triumphs Over Arizona State
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Starkville Celebrates Mississippi State’s Victory Over Arizona State
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Additional Resources

• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Fine for Field Storming
• CBS Sports: Mississippi State Fined for Fans Storming the Field
• ESPN: Game Recap Mississippi State vs. Arizona State
• Fox News: Mississippi State Upset Win Over Arizona State
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Google Search: Mississippi State Football September 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University

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.