Starkville MS, September 12, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling college football showdown, Mississippi State University surprised fans by defeating No. 12 Arizona State 24-20. Quarterback Blake Shapen led the Bulldogs with an impressive performance, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Standout receiver Anthony Evans III caught nine passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, while Brenen Thompson sealed the victory with a game-winning 58-yard touchdown pass. The Bulldogs’ defense played a crucial role, maintaining the lead and preventing Arizona State from scoring in critical moments. Following the win, fans rushed the field, incurring a significant fine imposed by the SEC.
Starkville
In a thrilling college football matchup, Mississippi State University pulled off a surprising upset against No. 12 Arizona State on September 6, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium, winning the game 24-20. The victory is significant for the Bulldogs, who showcased both offensive agility and defensive resilience against a ranked opponent.
The Bulldogs’ quarterback, Blake Shapen, led the team with an impressive performance, completing 19 passes out of 33 attempts for a total of 279 passing yards, which included three touchdown passes. Just over a minute into the game, Shapen connected with receiver Anthony Evans III for a spectacular 48-yard touchdown, setting a high tone for the match that followed.
Evans III proved to be a standout player on the field; he finished the game with nine receptions totaling 108 yards and one touchdown. Having transferred from Georgia, where he had limited opportunities, Evans has already adapted well to his new team, accumulating 13 catches for 144 yards in just two games this season. This demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact early in his tenure with Mississippi State.
As the game progressed, Mississippi State continued to put points on the board. Brenen Thompson emerged as another key player, who capped off the Bulldogs’ performance with a game-winning 58-yard touchdown pass from Shapen just 30 seconds before the game clock expired. Thompson concluded the game with a team-high of 133 receiving yards along with two touchdown receptions, emphasizing his critical role in steering the Bulldogs to victory.
Mississippi State’s defense also played a pivotal role throughout the game, particularly during a crucial moment when they thwarted Arizona State’s scoring drive, forcing their opponents to settle for a field goal. This defensive stand was key, as it allowed Mississippi State to maintain their lead and ultimately secured the victory.
Following the win, ecstatic fans stormed the field, leading to a $500,000 fine imposed by the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The fervor among the supporters reflected the community’s pride in this unexpected triumph, which resonated well with the ongoing “Starkville vs. Everybody” campaign, a movement that has gained traction in response to past criticisms of the town and the football program.
In light of the victory, Coach Jeff Lebby emphasized the need for continued improvement and urged Evans to maintain a sense of urgency moving forward. This win, although celebrated, highlighted areas for growth for the Bulldogs as the season unfolds.
Mississippi State’s next challenge is set against Alcorn State on September 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT. The team looks to build on their recent success and maintain momentum as they progress through the season.
Summary of the Match
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 20 |
| Quarterback | Blake Shapen: 19 completions, 279 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Key Players | Anthony Evans III: 9 receptions, 108 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Brenen Thompson | 2 touchdowns, 133 receiving yards |
| Notable Play | 58-yard game-winning touchdown pass |
| Next Game | September 13, 2025, against Alcorn State |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the outcome of the Mississippi State vs. Arizona State football game?
Mississippi State won the game 24-20, surprising fans and critics alike.
Who was the standout player of the match?
Anthony Evans III had a remarkable performance with 9 receptions for 108 yards and 1 touchdown, while Brenen Thompson contributed with 2 touchdowns and 133 receiving yards.
When and where is Mississippi State’s next game?
Mississippi State will play against Alcorn State on September 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT.
What led to the SEC fine after the game?
Fans stormed the field in celebration after the victory, resulting in a $500,000 fine imposed by the SEC.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starkville Celebrates Historic Win Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Baseball Schedule Unveiled
Starkville Celebrates Thrilling Bulldogs Upset Against Arizona State
Mississippi State Football Upsets No. 12 Arizona State
Brenen Thompson Leads Mississippi State to Victory
Mississippi State Prepares for Alcorn State After Win
Mississippi State University Claims Victory Over Arizona State
Mississippi State Fined Following Fans Rushing the Field
Mississippi State Upsets Arizona State in Thrilling Victory
Mississippi State Fined After Field Storming Incident
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Starkville vs. Everybody
- Hail State: Stepping Up When It Mattered
- D Journal: Wide Receiver Transfers in Starkville
- College Football News: Mississippi State vs. Alcorn State Preview
- AJC: SEC Hot and Cold
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- 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.
