Last-Minute touchdown lifts Bulldogs over No. 12 Arizona State

By: Kellen Walker, Student Writer

STARKVILLE, Miss. (MSU Athletics)– Mississippi State captured its highest ranked win under head coach Jeff Lebby as they took down 12th-ranked Arizona State 24-20 in a dramatic Saturday night thriller at Davis Wade Stadium.

After building a 17-0 lead in the first half, State fell behind 20-17 in the fourth quarter before MSU quarterback Blake Shapen hit receiver Brenen Thompson on a 58-yard touchdown strike with just 30 seconds remaining for the contest’s decisive score.

The Bulldogs drew first blood early when Shapen found Anthony Evans III for a 48-yard touchdown strike just over a minute into the game to take a 7-0 lead. Kicker Kyle Ferrieextended the lead to 10-0 with a 37-yard field goal with 1:18 to play in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Shapen threw a 47-yard bomb to Thompson to stretch State’s lead to 17-0 at the 12:51 mark. Four minutes later, cornerback Jayven Williams picked off ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt to take over at the MSU 18-yard line after a hurry by linebacker Branden Jennings.

Arizona State was able to knock through a 52-yard field goal to end the first half after a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty, cutting the MSU lead to 17-3.

State’s defense came up big in the first half, allowing only 95 total yards. Defensive linemen Deonte Anderson and Will Whitson each got in the backfield and took down Leavitt for a sack.

The Sun Devils opened up the second half with a 75-yard drive and a touchdown at the 10:34 mark to cut State’s advantage to 17-10.

In the fourth quarter, ASU found the end zone again to tie the game at 17-17 with 13:07 remaining.

Later, Arizona State seemingly took control on a nearly nine-minute-long drive that resulted in an 18-yard field goal, putting the Sun Devils ahead 20-17 with 1:38 left to play.

Just when momentum had fully shifted to Arizona State, the Bulldogs responded in dramatic fashion courtesy of the heroics from Shapen and Thompson. Safety Hunter Washington then iced the game for the Dawgs with an interception on the first play of Arizona State’s ensuing drive.

For the game, Shapen completed of his 19 of his 33 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Evans III and Thompson were his two favorite targets, combining for 15 receptions and 241 yards with three touchdowns.
 
Next Up for MSU…

The Bulldogs host Alcorn State on Saturday, September 13. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium, and the game will be televised by ESPN+ and SEC Network+.