No. 12 Arizona State will look to build on a strong Week 1 showing as it travels to Starkville for a high-profile SEC vs. Big 12 matchup against Mississippi State. The Sun Devils opened their 2025 campaign with a 38-19 win over Northern Arizona and now face a tougher test on the road.
The non-conference showdown is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. ASU enters as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under listed at 59 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Jordyn Tyson (WR, ASU)
After establishing himself as one of the Big 12’s premier wideouts in 2024, Jordyn Tyson entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, and so far, he’s delivered. The veteran receiver opened the year with a dominant performance, hauling in 12 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Arizona. In Week 2, he’ll face a Mississippi State defense that finished last in the SEC in 2024, surrendering 456.4 yards per game. With the Bulldogs still looking to tighten up their secondary, don’t be surprised if Tyson puts together another monster outing on Saturday.
Blake Shapen (QB, Mississippi State)
In his second season with the program, Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen delivered an efficient Week 1 performance, throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown while distributing the ball to 10 different receivers. That kind of distribution and precision will be crucial, as he connected with receiver Brenen Thompson on a 51-yard reception among his seven catches for 92 yards, highlighting his ability to flip the field and unlock big plays. If Shapen protects the football and connects on deep throws, the Bulldogs have the talent to keep pace with Arizona State’s high-powered offense.
Two Key Storylines
Mississippi State’s Balanced Rushing Attack
The Bulldogs racked up 186 rushing yards and three touchdowns last week, with five different players logging multiple carries. Davon Booth led the way with 80 yards and a score, while Fluff Bothwell added two touchdowns and 43 yards of his own. That kind of depth gives Mississippi State flexibility in its ground game and takes pressure off Shapen. If the Bulldogs can establish the run early, it could help neutralize Arizona State’s pass rush and control the pace of the game.
Sun Devils Set for Tough Road Test in Starkville
Last season, Arizona State’s only two regular-season losses came on the road, at Texas Tech and at Cincinnati. Now, the Sun Devils head into a hostile SEC environment under the lights in Starkville. For a team with College Football Playoff aspirations, this marks a major early-season test, especially for quarterback Sam Leavitt as he looks to replicate his 257-yard, two-touchdown outing from Week 1.
Prediction: Arizona State 35, Mississippi State 24
While this has the makings of an early-season trap game, especially with Mississippi State boasting a veteran quarterback in Shapen and a deep, balanced run game, Arizona State has the talent and firepower to leave Starkville with a hard-fought win. If ASU can force Shapen into third-and-long situations and get Tyson involved early, the Sun Devils should be in control. Leavitt must protect the football and remain composed in a hostile environment, as Arizona State has the tools to withstand the challenge and leave with a win.
