Starkville MS, September 28, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling overtime matchup, 15th-ranked Tennessee secured a hard-fought 41-34 victory against Mississippi State. Key defensive plays, including two touchdowns, helped propel Tennessee to victory. Running back DeSean Bishop scored the crucial overtime touchdown, while quarterback Joey Aguilar’s performance kept the game competitive. This win improved Tennessee’s season record, while both teams now prepare for future challenges.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Tennessee Survives Overtime Thriller Against Mississippi State, Securing 41-34 Victory
No. 15 Tennessee football team triumphed over Mississippi State with a thrilling 41-34 victory in overtime on September 27, 2025. The game featured crucial defensive plays for Tennessee, including two defensive touchdowns that played a pivotal role in securing the win.
In the overtime period, running back DeSean Bishop rushed for a 25-yard touchdown on the very first play. The game ended decisively when linebacker Arion Carter and the Tennessee defense successfully batted down a fourth-down pass from Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen in the end zone.
This intense matchup was characterized by five turnovers and shifting momentum. Tennessee’s Colton Hood opened the scoring with an interception return for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Late in the fourth quarter, Joshua Josephs tallied another defensive score by returning a fumble caused by Tyre West, which propelled Tennessee ahead with a 27-24 lead.
Despite having three turnovers themselves, Tennessee managed to maintain their composure against Mississippi State. The Vols improved their season record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the SEC.
Game Highlights
Tennessee’s quarterback Joey Aguilar had a notable performance, completing 24 of 40 passes for 335 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. He also rushed for a game-tying 6-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining in regulation, which evened the score at 34. Aguilar has now consistently passed for over 200 yards in all 29 starts in his Division I career.
The game was tight, with both teams tied 17-17 at halftime, following a series of tense plays. Tennessee’s mistakes during the first half—such as a muffed punt and a dropped deep pass—allowed Mississippi State to capitalize. UT’s Max Gilbert also missed a long 47-yard field goal attempt just before halftime.
Defensively, Tennessee noted success with five sacks throughout the game. In contrast, Mississippi State accumulated 198 rushing yards against the Vols’ defense. The thrilling game was played in front of a crowd of 60,417 at Davis Wade Stadium, as Mississippi State showcased their all-white uniforms for a white-out theme while Tennessee donned their iconic orange jerseys and pants.
Upcoming Matches
Tennessee football now looks forward to a bye week before facing Arkansas on October 11. Head coach Josh Heupel emphasized the significance of this win for the team’s confidence, particularly in a challenging road environment. The clash with Mississippi State marked the 48th meeting between the two schools; Tennessee holds the historical edge with a 31-16-1 series lead.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State game?
The final score was 41-34 in favor of Tennessee.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown for Tennessee?
DeSean Bishop scored a 25-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.
What notable defensive plays did Tennessee make during the game?
Tennessee scored two defensive touchdowns, including an interception return from Colton Hood for 23 yards and a fumble return from Joshua Josephs.
What was Joey Aguilar’s performance in the game?
Joey Aguilar completed 24 of 40 passes for 335 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, along with a game-tying rush.
How did the win affect Tennessee’s season record?
The victory improved Tennessee’s record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Tennessee vs. Mississippi State |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 41-34 |
| Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Tennessee Record | 4-1 overall, 1-1 SEC |
| Mississippi State Record | 4-1 overall, 0-1 SEC |
| Attendance | 60,417 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
| Quarterback Performance | Joey Aguilar: 24 of 40 for 335 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
| Next Game for Tennessee | Against Arkansas on October 11 |
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: SEC Football Live
- Hail State: Postgame Notes
- Clarion Ledger: Live Updates
- Sports Illustrated: Instant Reaction
- Clarion Ledger: Expert Picks
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers football
- Google Search: Tennessee football
- Google Scholar: Tennessee football September 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee football
- Google News: Tennessee 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.
