Mississippi Bulldogs Upset Arizona Sun Devils

In a surprising turn of events, the Mississippi Bulldogs triumphed over the 12th-ranked Arizona Sun Devils in a thrilling game on Saturday night.

With roughly 40 seconds remaining, Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen made a pivotal play. He noticed Brenn Thompson breaking free, got the ball to him, and Thompson sprinted towards the end zone, catching the Sun Devils’ defensive backs off guard.

Thompson collided with the defender right at the goal line, helping Mississippi State secure a 24-20 victory, the same score that ultimately defined the match.

Fans in Starkville erupted with excitement, pouring onto the field to celebrate their team’s success.

“What a vibe, what a night,” exulted Mississippi State head coach Jeff Levy. “Davis Wade Stadium is truly the best. This experience is special for our program and for the university as a whole.”

This victory marks the first time since 1991 that Mississippi has bested a top 15 non-conference adversary.

“We focused on taking one play at a time,” Shapen noted. “These moments are what I live for. They really highlight our team’s character. The emotions are just off the charts right now—I’m extremely thankful to be part of this.”

Shapen completed 19 passes out of 33 attempts for 279 yards, throwing three touchdown passes. Thompson contributed significantly with six catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while Anthony Evans III added nine receptions for 108 yards and a score.

Arizona State’s head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed frustration over his team’s inability to contain Mississippi’s offensive explosiveness. “The big plays really defined this game. They’re a solid team and very dynamic. We managed to limit some of their big plays in the second half, but it wasn’t enough,” he said.

Arizona’s running game showed promise with Raik Brown and Kanye Udo having standout performances. Brown rushed for 110 yards on 18 carries, while Udo brought in 105 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown.