Vanderbilt Ends Losing Streak With Win Over Mississippi State

Vanderbilt built a 16-0 halftime advantage, then held off a late Mississippi State rally to win 25-23 in Starkville on November 7. The result gave the Commodores their first Southeastern Conference win this season and ended a run of five losses. Both teams are now 4-5 overall; Vanderbilt is 1-5 in SEC play and Mississippi State is 2-5.

The Commodores opened the scoring with a field goal, then put together an 87-yard drive over 18 plays that took 10 minutes, 19 seconds and ended with Sedrick Alexander running for a touchdown. Two more field goals made it 16-0 at halftime. Vanderbilt’s defense also kept Mississippi State from earning a first down on four consecutive drives and Jordan Matthews intercepted A.J. Swann late in the half.

Mississippi State struck quickly after halftime, with Swann connecting with Sanfrisco Magee on a 65-yard scoring play. Vanderbilt’s next possession, Tyshun Willis sacked quarterback Jared Curtis and forced a fumble that Will Whitson returned for a score, cutting the margin to 16-14. Vanderbilt responded with two field goals.

The Bulldogs got to Vanderbilt’s 8-yard stripe in the final quarter but settled for a field goal. After Vanderbilt added another, Swann and Magee connected for a touchdown to bring Mississippi State within two. The Bulldogs failed to convert the two-point attempt, and Cole Spence recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win.

Vanderbilt will host No. 5 Alabama next Saturday. Mississippi State is scheduled to host Auburn.