Arizona State vs Mississippi State Live Score Updates: A Thrilling College Football Showdown
Welcome to our live blog for the highly anticipated college football clash between Arizona State and Mississippi State on September 7, 2024. The game, hosted at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, features an intriguing non-conference matchup with both teams entering Week 2 with a 1-0 record. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting encounter, including live score updates, key moments, and in-depth analysis.
Current Score & Game Status
As we head into the final quarter, Arizona State is leading Mississippi State 30-16. The Sun Devils have managed to hold off the Bulldogs for most of the game, but Mississippi State is making a push.
Fourth Quarter Updates: Mississippi State on the Attack
Mississippi State is not backing down easily. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown on their second possession of the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 30-16. Blake Shapen connected with Davon Booth for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Despite missing the extra point, this score has injected some energy into the Mississippi State side. Shapen is having a solid game, now 15-for-24 with 166 yards.
ASU’s Struggles and Momentum Shifts
Arizona State has struggled on recent possessions. The Sun Devils have been forced to punt twice in a row and have not managed to gain significant yardage on their last two drives. This has given Mississippi State a chance to close the gap. With 12:10 left in the game, ASU needs to regain control and find a way to steady their offence.
Mississippi State Makes a Move
The Bulldogs capitalised on their recent momentum with another score. Keyvone Lee rushed for a six-yard touchdown on a critical 4th & 3, making it a 30-10 game. This drive, which spanned 75 yards over 12 plays, was the most effective of the night for Mississippi State. Lee has been a standout player with 31 yards on eight carries.
Third Quarter Summary: ASU’s Dominance
At the end of the third quarter, Arizona State leads 30-10. The Sun Devils have been dominant, with a powerful ground game led by Cam Skattebo and effective kicking by Ian Hershey. Hershey added a 46-yard field goal to start the second half, capping a 14-play, 46-yard drive that consumed 8:27 off the clock.
Sam Leavitt, ASU’s quarterback, has been effective with his rushing game, adding nine carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his modest passing stats (7-for-14, 62 yards), his ground game has been crucial.
Halftime Analysis: ASU’s Strong Performance
Arizona State has been impressive, leading 27-3 at the half. The Sun Devils have controlled the game with a dominating rushing attack and a stout defence. ASU has rushed for 208 yards on 28 carries, while Mississippi State has struggled, managing -13 rushing yards on 14 attempts.
ASU’s defence has also made an impact, scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery by C.J. Fite. This defensive touchdown adds to ASU’s impressive start to the season, having scored on defence in both games so far.
First Half Highlights
- Scoring Summary: Sam Leavitt scored on a 17-yard run to give ASU an early lead. Cam Skattebo, with a career-high 137 rushing yards in the first half, has been a key player for the Sun Devils.
- Defensive Dominance: ASU’s defence stopped Mississippi State on a critical 4th & 1, and earlier scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. The Sun Devils have limited the Bulldogs to just 82 total yards in the first half.
- Field Goals: Ian Hershey kicked a career-long 47-yard field goal to extend ASU’s lead.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- ASU’s Strong Start: The Sun Devils took an early lead with a 10-play, 79-yard drive culminating in a touchdown run by Leavitt.
- Mississippi State’s Struggles: The Bulldogs have faced difficulty moving the ball, particularly on the ground, and have been unable to sustain drives.
- ASU’s Ground Game: With impressive rushing stats, including Skattebo’s 137 yards, ASU has controlled the tempo of the game.
Looking Ahead
As the game progresses into the final quarter, Arizona State needs to maintain their composure and manage the clock effectively. Mississippi State will be looking to capitalise on any opportunities to close the gap further.
Stay tuned for more live updates as we continue to follow this thrilling college football matchup between Arizona State and Mississippi State.
