Mississippi State University Football Team Triumphs

Starkville, MS, September 2, 2025

News Summary

The Mississippi State University football team kicked off the season with a strong 34-17 victory over Southern Miss. The Bulldogs showcased a powerful performance, especially in the second half, as their running backs and quarterback made significant contributions. Kicker Kyle Ferrie set a new record with a 55-yard field goal. Despite one injury concern, the team’s optimism is high as they prepare for their next game against Arizona State.

Starkville, MS – Mississippi State University’s football team opened the 2025 season with a commanding 34-17 victory against Southern Miss at M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturday. This win continues the Bulldogs’ winning streak, marking their ninth consecutive season opener victory and maintaining a strong hold over Southern Miss, having now defeated them in their last seven encounters.

After a tightly contested first half where Mississippi State led 13-10, the Bulldogs dominated the second half, blanking the Golden Eagles with a 21-0 score in the third quarter. The running backs, Fluff Bothwell and Davon Booth, were instrumental in this surge, combining for three touchdowns and propelling the Bulldogs to a comfortable lead. Bothwell scored two touchdowns in the third quarter alone, while Booth added another to his tally.

The game showcased a robust Mississippi State offensive performance, with the team accumulating a total of 188 rushing yards. Quarterback Blake Shapen made a notable return, having missed the last eight games of the previous season due to injury. Shapen completed 26 of 34 passes for 270 yards and threw one impressive touchdown, connecting with Seydou Traore on a 55-yard pass that opened the scoring for the Bulldogs.

In addition to the strong offensive display, kicker Kyle Ferrie etched his name in Mississippi State history by setting a new program record with a 55-yard field goal, surpassing the previous record held by Artie Cosby since 1985. Ferrie also successfully converted a 30-yard field goal and made all four of his extra-point attempts, adding to his current streak of 32 consecutive extra points.

Despite a late touchdown by Southern Miss, the effort was insufficient to close the gap, leaving Mississippi State firmly in control of the game. However, concerns arose as offensive tackle Blake Steen did not return following an injury just before halftime. Steen, who transferred from Virginia, will be assessed for his availability in upcoming games. Head Coach Jeff Lebby expressed optimism regarding the recovery of injured players Luke Work and Jett Jefferson, indicating they may return for the next matchup.

Looking ahead, Mississippi State will host Arizona State on September 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, providing fans with an opportunity to see how the Bulldogs build upon their successful start to the season.

Game Highlights

• Final Score: Mississippi State 34, Southern Miss 17
• Halftime Score: Mississippi State 13, Southern Miss 10
• Rushing Yards: Mississippi State 188
• Passing Yards: Blake Shapen 270
• Kyle Ferrie Field Goals: 55 yards (new record), 30 yards
• Consecutive Extra Points: 32

Injury Update

• Blake Steen: Out due to injury (assessed for future games)
• Luke Work: Expected to recover for next game
• Jett Jefferson: Expected to recover for next game

Next Game

Mississippi State vs. Arizona State
Date: September 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Broadcast: ESPN2

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi High School Football Scores Recap
Kyle Ferrie Breaks Mississippi State Field Goal Record
Mississippi State Football Gears Up for Home Opener
Starkville Prepares for Week 2 College Football Clash
Mississippi State Kicks Off Exciting Football Season
Discipline Concerns Rise in Mississippi College Football Teams
Davis Wade Stadium Undergoing Major Renovations
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Set for New Season
Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset No. 10 Wake Forest in Soccer
Blake Shapen Returns to Lead Mississippi State Bulldogs

Additional Resources

• 247Sports: Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss Recap
• Clarion Ledger: Kyle Ferrie Field Goal Record
• Hail State: Ferrie Breaks 40-Year-Old Record
• Covers: Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss Prediction
• Saturday Down South: Southern Miss Coach Claims Spending
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Google Search: Mississippi State football
• Google Scholar: Mississippi State football 2025 season
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
• Google News: Mississippi State football 2025

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.