Starkville MS, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State’s football team is striving to secure its first SEC victory this season, currently holding a 4-2 overall record and 0-2 in conference play. After a setback against No. 6 Texas A&M, the Bulldogs are preparing for a critical matchup against No. 15 Tennessee. This game represents an opportunity for redemption and confidence building as the team aims to recover from previous losses. Notable player Stonka Burnside, transitioning from wide receiver to safety, is expected to play a vital role as the Bulldogs aim for a turning point in their season.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State Football Seeks First SEC Win Amidst Tough Schedule
Mississippi State’s football team is currently struggling to secure their first win in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), holding an overall record of 4-2 but standing at 0-2 in conference play. The Bulldogs faced a setback in their recent game against No. 6 Texas A&M, which contributed to their ongoing search for an SEC victory.
In light of their recent performance, the team is scheduled for an open week to regroup after facing a challenging trip out west where they lost to a Top-15 opponent. Their next significant matchup will be against No. 15 Tennessee, set for Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium. This game is crucial, as it marks the Southeastern Conference opener for Mississippi State and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.
In their current season, the Bulldogs have previously managed to defeat a top-15 opponent, and the coaching staff remains hopeful that they can continue building momentum in the upcoming game against Tennessee. A notable player to watch is safety Stonka Burnside, who will continue to contribute on both offense and defense this season. A native of Starkville, Burnside was a four-star wide receiver recruit, transitioning from wide receiver to safety over the course of his collegiate career.
Burnside has been active this season, primarily playing on special teams during 2024, where he recorded two tackles and one reception. In the opener against Southern Miss, he had one rush for six yards but did not accumulate any defensive statistics. His versatility on the field will be crucial as the Bulldogs push for their first SEC win.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State also has plans for a future matchup against Arizona State on September 6, 2024. As part of a two-game series agreement established in 2018, the Bulldogs will be paying Arizona State $400,000 to secure that game. Arizona State is currently ranked No. 10 in one poll and No. 12 in another after defeating Missouri State to start their season.
Last season, the two teams faced off, with Arizona State defeating Mississippi State 30-23, which ended MSU’s impressive 10-game winning streak against nonconference teams. This previous match-up highlighted the strength of Arizona State’s offense, where a player notably rushed for 262 yards, reflecting their potent running game.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming game against Tennessee, this is viewed by many as a pivotal moment in their season. The outcome may not only influence their current standings in the SEC but also their overall confidence moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Mississippi State’s overall football record this season?
Mississippi State’s football team currently has an overall record of 4-2.
When is Mississippi State’s next game and who are they playing?
Mississippi State’s next game is against No. 15 Tennessee, scheduled for Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium.
What notable changes has safety Stonka Burnside made this season?
Stonka Burnside has made a transition from playing wide receiver last season to playing safety this season and will continue to play both offense and defense.
What previous game did Mississippi State play against Arizona State?
In their previous match-up in 2024, Arizona State defeated Mississippi State 30-23, ending MSU’s 10-game winning streak against nonconference teams.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 4-2 overall, 0-2 in SEC |
| Next Game | vs No. 15 Tennessee on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT |
| Coaching Staff | Head Coach: Jeff Lebby |
| Key Player | Stonka Burnside – Safety (also plays offense) |
| Future Matchup | Against Arizona State on September 6, 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Soccer Prepares for SEC Matchup Against Florida
Mississippi State Football’s 2026 Recruiting Class Faces Decommitments
Mississippi State Focuses on Healing During Bye Week
Mississippi State Soccer Team Rises in NCAA Rankings
Mississippi State Athletics Updates
Mississippi State Soccer Dominates Missouri 3-0
Tennessee Football Triumphs Over Mississippi State in Overtime
Starkville Academy Faces First Loss of the Season
Mississippi State Soccer Tops Missouri with 3-0 Victory
Tennessee Football Triumphs Over Mississippi State in Overtime
Additional Resources
- Hail State: First And 10 To Know State vs. Tennessee
- Clarion Ledger: Stonka Burnside and MSU Football
- AZ Central: ASU Football vs. Mississippi State Payment Contract
- WJTV: MSU Updates Tailgating Zones for 2025 Football Season
- Style Blueprint: Mississippi State Football in SEC
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
