HATTIESBURG – Mississippi State began the 2025 season with a road win on Saturday, taking down Southern Miss 34-17 at The Rock.
Head coach Jeff Lebby called a balanced offense, and the unit was able to grow into the game despite multiple penalties and an early turnover.
The Bulldogs came out firing on offense, scoring on the first drive of the game. Blake Shapen found tight end Seydou Traore down the sideline for a 57-yard score in the second minute of action.
MSU’s offense continued to move the ball throughout the first half but failed to find the end zone again, twice settling for field goals after being pushed back by holding calls. The first time, a big gain on a screen pass was called back, and the second time, a touchdown run on 4th and goal by backup quarterback Kamario Taylor was negated with three seconds left in the half.
Southern Miss moved the ball on offense early. Quarterback Braylon Braxton looked the part as a dual threat, and led a drive to tie the game up at 10 apiece in the second half before State’s field goal.
At 13-10, the Bulldogs had a slim advantage at the break. The offensive mistakes prevented their takeover of the game in the first half, but they played with more poise in the third quarter to make up for it.
The Bulldogs came out in the second half looking to take control of the game. They found three scores on the ground, two from Fluff Bothwell and another from Davon Booth, to create separation on the scoreboard. USM’s offense stalled out, but it was in part thanks to the Bulldog defense creating quick stops.
The first came on a drive with an explosive catch and run by Brenen Thompson, which should have been a touchdown if not for a hold downfield. It was the third time the Bulldogs had a score chalked off by a penalty, but the Bulldogs were able to plow through for the score this time rather than settle for another field goal, setting the tone for the second half.
An interception by Brylan Lanier just before the fourth quarter completed the third frame of dominance from MSU that saw Lebby’s crew lead 34-10.
The fourth quarter saw the defense get another stop in the red zone, ending USM’s last hopes of a comeback with a turnover on downs.
The Bulldogs move to 1-0 on the season, and return home for a primetime matchup with No. 11 Arizona State at Davis Wade Stadium next week.
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