Full Breakdown
Mississippi State Bulldogs Open Season with 34-17 Victory Over Southern Miss
9/1/2025, 12:45:11 PM
Game Overview: Bulldogs Dominate Second Half
The Mississippi State Bulldogs began their 2025 football season with a 34-17 victory against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Jeff Lebby, overcame a sluggish first half, where they only led 13-10, to dominate the second half, scoring three touchdowns and outgaining Southern Miss 199-25 in the third quarter.
Key Performances and Statistics
Quarterback Blake Shapen, returning from a season-ending injury, completed 26 of 34 passes for 270 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Running back Fluff Bothwell made a significant impact in his debut, rushing for 43 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter. Davon Booth also contributed with 79 rushing yards. The Bulldogs amassed a total of 465 yards of offense, compared to Southern Miss's 301 yards.
Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton completed 26 of 39 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while the Golden Eagles struggled to establish a consistent ground game, finishing with only 102 rushing yards.
Turning Point: The Third Quarter Surge
The game shifted decisively in the third quarter. After a lackluster first half, Mississippi State scored three consecutive touchdowns, effectively putting the game out of reach. Bothwell's six-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 20-10, followed by another touchdown from him shortly after an interception by safety Brylan Lanier. This surge allowed the Bulldogs to build a commanding 34-10 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Official Statements & Responses
Jeff Lebby emphasized the importance of the team's performance in the "middle eight"—the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. He stated, "If we can continue to play great football and complimentary football in the middle eight, that's gonna give us a chance."
Southern Miss head coach Charles Huff acknowledged the challenges his team faced, noting, "We knew it was going to be a game where if we didn’t make enough plays early, they would probably be able to wear us down a little bit, which started to happen in the second half."
Criticism & Areas for Improvement
Despite the victory, Mississippi State's performance was marred by 14 penalties totaling 119 yards, a concern that both players and coaches recognized. Shapen remarked, "We just have to execute... if we can clean things up and get out of our own way, we have the people to go execute."
What's Next: Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will face a significant challenge next week when they host the No. 11 Arizona State Sun Devils, who are coming off a successful season. The Bulldogs will need to address their penalty issues to compete effectively against a strong opponent. Southern Miss will seek to rebound as they prepare to host Jackson State.
Conclusion
The Bulldogs' season opener showcased both promise and areas needing improvement. With a strong second half and key performances from veterans and newcomers alike, Mississippi State aims to build on this momentum as they move forward in the 2025 season.
