Starkville, September 9, 2025

News Summary

Mississippi State University celebrated a historic win against then-No. 12 Arizona State, defeating them 24-20. This victory marks the Bulldogs’ first upset over a ranked opponent since last season’s Egg Bowl. The atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium was electric as fans stormed the field, although the celebration will come with a $500,000 fine from the SEC due to field-storming policies. With a record of 2-0, Mississippi State prepares for their next game against Alcorn State. However, the team will face challenges due to injuries to key players Blake Steen and Will Whitson.

Starkville

Mississippi State University made headlines Saturday evening after a thrilling victory against then-No. 12 Arizona State, winning the game 24-20 in what was a significant upset. This win is historic for the Bulldogs, marking their first triumph over a ranked opponent since they defeated Ole Miss, who was ranked No. 20, during the 2022 Egg Bowl.

The atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium was electric as fans rushed the field in celebration following the victory. In their exuberance, many supporters tore down the goalposts and carried them out of the stadium, a scene not uncommon after pivotal wins. However, this jubilant outburst will come at a cost, as Mississippi State will face a $500,000 fine from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) due to the field-storming incident. The SEC has a set policy that imposes a flat fine for such occurrences instead of escalating penalties, which will be directed to the SEC’s post-graduate scholarship fund for non-conference events.

As of September 8, Mississippi State’s record improved to 2-0 following this confrontation with Arizona State. The Bulldogs will next host Alcorn State, currently at 0-2, on September 13 at Davis Wade Stadium. Despite the victory, Coach Jeff Lebby announced that the team will be without offensive lineman Blake Steen and defensive lineman Will Whitson for the remainder of the season due to injuries.

Impact of Injuries

Will Whitson, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, was leading the team in defensive contributions with two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss before he sustained a lower body injury during the game against Arizona State. Blake Steen, a redshirt junior who transferred from Virginia, also suffered an injury before halftime in the previous game against Southern Miss. The team is now exploring the possibility of obtaining a medical redshirt for Whitson, a move previously made for quarterback Blake Shapen, which would allow him an extra year of eligibility.

Next Steps for the Team

In light of the injuries, Albert Reese IV stepped in for Blake Steen and earned the Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award following his performance in the game against Arizona State. Additionally, Jayvin Q. James, a transfer from Maryland, has now been promoted to starting left tackle, with Jimothy Lewis Jr. serving as the backup.

Game Summary and Notes

• Final Score: Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 20
• Record after the game: 2-0
• Upcoming Game: September 13 vs. Alcorn State (0-2)
• SEC Fine: $500,000 for field-storming incident

Background Context

Field-storming incidents have become a common occurrence in college football, typically reflecting a team’s significant victory over a higher-ranked opponent. While officials allow fans to storm the field, a pre-approved safety plan must be in place for such actions. This policy is designed to ensure the safety of attendees while also imposing financial penalties to discourage reckless behavior in the wake of significant sporting events.

Mississippi State’s remarkable victory not only boosts the morale of the team and its fans but also sets the stage for more challenges ahead. As the Bulldogs prepare for their next game, they must navigate the implications of their injuries and strategize appropriately under these new circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs. Arizona State game?
  Mississippi State won 24-20.
• Why does Mississippi State face a fine?
  The SEC has imposed a $500,000 fine due to fans storming the field after the game.
• Who are the injured players and their statuses?
  Blake Steen and Will Whitson will not return for the season due to injuries.
• When is the next game for Mississippi State?
  The Bulldogs will host Alcorn State on September 13.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi State Fined After Field Storming Incident
Competition for Clarion Ledger Athlete of the Week Intensifies
Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State to Face Mississippi State in Key College Football Showdown
Columbus-Tupelo Area Hosts Thrilling High School Football Weekend
Mississippi State University Triumphs Over Arizona State
Mississippi State University Fined for Post-Game Celebration
Starkville Celebrates Mississippi State’s Victory Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Football Claims Victory Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Upsets No. 12 Arizona State in Thrilling Game

Additional Resources

• CBS Sports
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• ESPN
• Google Search: Mississippi State College Football News
• Clarion Ledger
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• 247Sports
• Google News: Mississippi State Football Injuries

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.