You could almost see it coming.
The fourth quarter of Mississippi State’s latest gut-wrenching loss – this time to then-No. 22 Texas – seemed to unfold in slow-motion. Like an out-of-control locomotive barreling down an uneven track, even the slightest turbulence is enough to convince someone that the wheels are coming off. And can you blame them for feeling that way? For MSU football in 2025, the wheels always do come off.
It started with a Bulldog offense predictably stuck in mud in close-and-late situations; three punts and an accidentally-but-then-on-purpose run-out-the-clock drive to close out the fourth quarter. It continued with the world’s most unfortunate roughing-the-passer call; correct, by the way. And it culminated in a punt-return touchdown so devastating that anyone wearing maroon anywhere likely had to stop to catch their breath. Fans, players, even coaches have learned to recognize the signs but are powerless to stop them. Take a missed read here, throw in a case of curious clock management there, add a dash of ball insecurity, and you’re suddenly working on a recipe for disaster.
Remember the Tennessee game? “I think we all know that was a game we shouldn’t have lost,” MSU quarterback Blake Shapen said afterward.
What about Florida? Down two with the ball in field-goal range, interception on a pass that should never have been thrown during a play that never should have been run. Game over.
Which brings us back to Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, where things were going so well for so long. Breezy conditions under an overcast sky added to the dreamlike scene unfolding below. Forty-five blissful minutes of “Could this really be happening?” turned to 20 minutes of nightmarish “Could this really be happening, again?’
It was, and it did. And don’t pretend like a little part of you didn’t know it would.
Of course, it wasn’t all bad. Shapen, the Bulldogs’ graduate signal-caller, had his best game in maroon and white. The running game continues to impress, and the pass defense is an above-average SEC unit. But it wasn’t enough. It never is.
Shapen, to his credit, has faced down criticism and owned up to his role in the various collapses while those wearing headsets haven’t been so forthcoming. That’s what leadership looks like. I know KaMario Taylor is standing right there, but Shapen has earned the right to finish out this season. Bowl-eligibility was always the realistic goal, and that’s still on the table.
“It’s got to be a mindset thing,” Shapen said after the game.
The signs are there – the defense is significantly improved (Saturday’s fourth quarter notwithstanding,) the offense has playmakers all over the field, the offensive line is excellent in run-blocking though less so in pass protection – that these Bulldogs are better than they’ve been. Competent, even. But winners? Not yet.
With a trip to Fayetteville looming, MSU is staring down what’s likely its best chance at an SEC win – something not seen around these parts since Oct. 21, 2023 – against an equally snakebitten Arkansas team. The game will likely be close and may come down to a few fourth-quarter possessions. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.
Philip Poe is The Dispatch’s sports editor.
Philip Poe is sports editor.
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