Starkville, Mississippi, September 8, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling home opener at Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State achieved a surprising upset against No. 12 ranked Arizona State, winning 24-20. The Bulldogs’ quarterback, Blake Shapen, showcased an impressive performance with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns, leading Mississippi State to a lead of 17-0 early in the game. Arizona State fought back but ultimately fell short, suffering their first loss of the season. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Bulldogs, marking their first win against a ranked opponent in over a year.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the No. 12 ranked Arizona State 24-20 in their home opener held at Davis Wade Stadium. With this victory, Mississippi State improved its season record to 2-0, while Arizona State’s record fell to 1-1.
The Bulldogs established an early dominance, taking a commanding lead of 17-0 just minutes into the second quarter. Quarterback Blake Shapen was instrumental in this success, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns throughout the game. Shapen’s first touchdown pass came just over a minute into the match, a striking 48-yard completion to Anthony Evans III. Following this, kicker Kyle Ferrie added a 37-yard field goal, further extending the lead to 10-0.
As the first half continued, Shapen connected with Brenen Thompson for another impressive touchdown, this time a 47-yard strike that increased the Bulldogs’ lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter. Despite being down significantly, the Sun Devils managed to respond right before halftime with a 52-yard field goal from their kicker, trimming the score to 17-3.
Arizona State came back strong in the second half, embarking on a solid 75-yard drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run by Kanye Udoh, closing the gap to 17-10. The momentum shifted further when the Sun Devils secured a fourth-down conversion, tying the game at 17-17 with a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Leavitt to Jordan Tyson.
With the game tied, Arizona State gained a narrow lead with an 18-yard field goal in the last two minutes, pushing the score to 20-17. However, the Bulldogs were undeterred. With just 30 seconds remaining, Shapen delivered a stunning 58-yard touchdown pass to Thompson, reclaiming the lead at 24-20. To seal the victory, safety Hunter Washington intercepted Leavitt’s pass, ending Arizona State’s hopes for a comeback.
Mississippi State displayed solid performance overall but faced challenges on defense, as the Sun Devils had two players, Raleek Brown and Udoh, rush for over 100 yards each, finishing with 110 and 105 yards respectively. Arizona State struggled with execution, particularly on penalties during the first half, which hampered their effectiveness on both sides of the ball. Coach Kenny Dillingham acknowledged the need for the Sun Devils to start faster in upcoming games.
The energetic atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium contributed significantly to the Bulldogs’ win, with enthusiastic fans ringing cowbells— a tradition that adds to the intensity of home games. This victory marks Mississippi State’s first win against a ranked opponent since 2022 and their first home victory against a ranked nonconference foe since 1991.
Looking forward, Mississippi State will host Alcorn State in their next matchup, while Arizona State prepares for their upcoming game against Texas State at home.
FAQs
- What was the final score of the game between Mississippi State and Arizona State?
- The final score was 24-20 in favor of Mississippi State.
- How did Mississippi State perform in the game?
- Mississippi State improved to 2-0 for the season, with quarterback Blake Shapen throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
- What were Arizona State’s problems during the game?
- Arizona State’s quarterback Sam Leavitt struggled, achieving a passer rating of 73.6, and the team had difficulty with execution, resulting in multiple penalties.
- What significant historical achievement did Mississippi State accomplish with this victory?
- This victory marked Mississippi State’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2022 and their first home win against a ranked nonconference opponent since 1991.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mississippi State Upsets No. 10 Arizona State 24-20
Sun Devil Heartbreak in Starkville: Last-Minute Loss
Bulldogs Soar with Perfect Start in Volleyball
Arizona State Sun Devils Fall to Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State Upsets No. 12 Arizona State in Thrilling Match
Starkville Crowned Best Small Town in the South
Arizona State and Mississippi State Gear Up for Epic Clash
Mississippi State Seniors Set to Shine in Upcoming Match
Coach Dillingham’s Hotel Controversy Sparks Fan Reactions
Additional Resources
- Hail State: A New Day Dawns for Dawgs Everywhere
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs Arizona State Live Updates
- AZ Central: Arizona State vs Mississippi State Score Updates
- Hail State: Last Minute Touchdown Lifts Bulldogs Over No. 12 Arizona State
- AZ Central: ASU Football Mississippi State Game Payment Contract
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Arizona State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: 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.
