The Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled off an incredible upset in their Saturday night game against the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils, securing a thrilling 24-20 victory in the closing seconds of the matchup. Quarterback Blake Shapen led the Bulldogs down the field with just 40 seconds left on the clock, delivering a crucial pass to Brenen Thompson, who broke free from Arizona State’s defensive back and raced toward the end zone. Thompson’s touchdown sealed the win for Mississippi State, marking a defining moment in the season for the team.
The victory not only highlighted the Bulldogs’ ability to perform under pressure but also marked a historic milestone for the program, as it was the first time they had defeated a top 15 nonconference opponent since 1991. Head coach Jeff Lebby expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, calling it a moment of pure joy and the embodiment of what the program stands for. “What an atmosphere, what an evening. That is Davis Wade Stadium at its finest,” Lebby said, emphasizing the significance of the win for the university and fans.
Mississippi State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Shapen throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Brenen Thompson caught six passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Evans III also contributed with nine receptions for 108 yards and a score. Arizona State, led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, struggled to contain the explosive play of the Bulldogs, conceding key moments that ultimately cost them the game. Dillingham acknowledged the challenge of stopping the Bulldogs’ dynamic offense, stating, “That’s a good football team and they’re explosive. They made an explosive play. We had to take away their explosives in the second half and we did it until the end there.”
The win brought a wave of celebration, with Bulldogs fans in Starkville storming the field to honor the team’s dramatic comeback. The win solidifies Mississippi State’s position as a competitive force in college football, particularly in nonconference matchups. As the season progresses, the Bulldogs are poised to build on this momentum, driven by the confidence and unity displayed in this thrilling upset.