So, you’re looking for the latest MSU bulldogs football score and probably wondering how the heck we got here. It’s been a wild ride in Starkville. If you missed the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 2nd, the final score was Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29.
Yeah, it stung.
But honestly? The score doesn't tell the whole story of Jeff Lebby’s first year. This team finished 5-8 overall, which sounds kind of mediocre until you look at the absolute gauntlet they ran in the SEC. One win in conference play—a gritty 38-35 victory over Arkansas on the road—doesn't look like much on a resume, but for a program in transition, those moments are everything.
The Duke's Mayo Bowl Breakdown
Let’s talk about that bowl game in Charlotte. It was a shootout, basically what everyone expected from a Lebby-coached team. True freshman Kamario Taylor was out there making plays, and for a minute, it felt like the Bulldogs might actually pull it off. He finished with over 300 total yards and two touchdowns.
But then the injury bug bit.
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Taylor went down late, and the momentum just evaporated. Wake Forest capitalized, and before you knew it, the gap on the scoreboard widened to 14 points. It was a classic "what if" game. If Taylor stays healthy, do we see a different MSU bulldogs football score in the headlines the next morning? Maybe.
Why the 2025 Record is Deceptive
You’ve gotta look at the schedule to appreciate the 5-8 record. SEC play is a meat grinder. The Bulldogs lost absolute heartbreakers to Tennessee (34-41) and Texas (38-45), both in overtime.
Think about that.
Two plays go the other way, and suddenly this is a 7-win team with major momentum. Instead, they finished 14th in the SEC standings. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially with rival Ole Miss putting up 38 on them in the Egg Bowl. Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels were just too much this year, racking up over 500 yards of offense in Starkville.
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The Quarterback Carousel
Blake Shapen started the year and put up some decent numbers—2,431 yards and 15 touchdowns—but the shift to Kamario Taylor late in the season is what has everyone talking. Taylor is the future. Period.
- Blake Shapen: Reliable, veteran presence, finished with a 142.3 passer rating.
- Kamario Taylor: The spark plug. His 173 rushing yards against Ole Miss showed he’s a dual-threat nightmare.
- Luke Kromenhoek: Saw limited action, but the talent is clearly there.
It’s rare to see a freshman come in and look that comfortable against SEC defenses. Even in the losses, Taylor’s ability to extend plays gave fans a reason to stay in their seats at Davis Wade Stadium.
Breaking Down the Key Numbers
If you're a stats person, the MSU bulldogs football score trends throughout the season were fascinating. The offense actually moved the ball quite well, averaging about 30 points per game. That’s top-50 nationally.
The problem? The defense.
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Mississippi State gave up over 500 yards of offense six different times over the last two seasons. You just can’t win at this level if you’re constantly playing catch-up. Coleman Hutzler’s unit struggled with consistency, especially in the secondary. Against Missouri, they let Ahmad Hardy run for 300 yards. Three hundred! That’s a video game number.
What’s Next for the Bulldogs?
So, where do we go from here? The transfer portal is already humming, and the 2026 recruiting class is ranked 26th nationally. Not elite, but solid enough to build a foundation.
The focus this spring is going to be 100% on the defense. Lebby’s "Veer and Shoot" offense is proven; it puts up points. But until the Bulldogs can stop a nosebleed on the other side of the ball, the scores are going to keep looking like basketball results.
If you're tracking the MSU bulldogs football score for next season, keep an eye on the defensive line depth. They’ve recently brought in Winston DeLattiboudere III to coach the unit, and his energy is already making waves in recruiting.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the Kamario Taylor highlights: If you haven't seen his performance against Ole Miss or Wake Forest, find the condensed games. It explains why the vibes are high despite a losing record.
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: Specifically, look for defensive tackle and safety commits. That is where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The SEC isn't getting any easier, but with a year of experience for the young roster, those overtime losses from 2025 could easily turn into wins.