Mississippi State is back home on Saturday, and has a headline act booked for prime time in Davis Wade Stadium. Defending Big 12 champions No. 12 Arizona State are coming to town for the return leg of a home-and-home series.
The Sun Devils took the first game 30-23 in 2024, showcasing running back Cam Skattebo in a dominant performance on the ground to hand MSU the first of 10 losses on the season. It was a game that offered a first expose’ of a defense in peril, and this year’s rematch offers a new opportunity for a revamped unit to make its mark.
What: Mississippi State vs. No. 12 Arizona State
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville
TV: ESPN2
Betting line: Arizona State by 6.5
Weather: Partly cloudy, humid with a high of 86. Windy with 6% probability of thunderstorms, 25% chance of precipitation, per Accuweather.
Records/rankings: Both teams are 1-0, Mississippi State is unranked and received no AP votes. Arizona State is ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll.
Series history: Mississippi State’s road trip to Tempe in 2024 was the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Sun Devils won 30-23, scoring 27 points in the first half. Mississippi State’s second-half comeback attempt fell short.
Mississippi State update: Head coach Jeff Lebby spoke to the media twice this week, and gave an update on the injury situation. Offensive lineman Luke Work and defensive back Jett Jefferson both sat out the season opener in Hattiesburg with apparent foot injuries. Lebby noted on Wednesday that Work was able to practice, but it has been slow going for fellow lineman Blake Steen, who left the game at USM in the first half with an upper-body injury.
Lebby cast uncertainty over Jefferson’s return in his press conference on Monday.
Arizona State update: The Sun Devils are fairly healthy going into Week Two. Star receiver Jordyn Tyson looks healthy after recovering from an injury at the end of last season, and both running back options looked solid in Week One.
Two starters on the offensive line left the season opener against NAU. Center Ben Coleman is expected to go on Saturday while right tackle Max Iheanachor’s availability is unknown. Defensive lineman Justin Wodtly and wide receiver Jalen Moss are also questionable for Saturday. DT My’Keil Gardner is out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in fall camp.
Arizona State players to watch: QB Sam Leavitt, WR Jordyn Tyson, DL Clayton Smith, S Kamari Wilson.
Prediction: The Sun Devils are favored in this game for one big reason: proven talent.
Despite losing Cam Skattebo, head coach Kenny Dillingham’s squad returns one of the top-rated wide receivers in the 2026 draft class, a highly-touted dual-threat quarterback and a defense with 10 returning starters.
The Bulldogs return some talent as well, but there is only a one-game sample size for both sides of the ball. The offense needs to clean up its propensity for penalties and the defense needs to cause more problems for ASU’s pass protectors. If those two things don’t happen, it could be a long night for MSU.
The home-field advantage and night-game atmosphere will be big for the Bulldogs, but they have to match it on the field. They keep this one close, but the Sun Devils take it in the end.
Arizona State 34, Mississippi State 30
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
