Mizzou’s Midgame Surge Not Enough to Overcome Slow Start, Quiet Finish

Starkville, Mississippi - On September 26, 2026, Missouri Tigers took the field against Mississippi State Bulldogs in a game that seemed to have it all at first. However, the Tigers' strong start soon turned into a quiet finish, as they lost the match 31-24. The game was characterized by two distinct stretches - a slow start and a mid-game surge followed by a quiet finish.

Mississippi State took an early lead, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, while Missouri struggled to respond. The Tigers' defense was exposed early by a 43-yard touchdown pass from Kamario Taylor to Sanfrisco Magee, which put Mississippi State ahead 14-0. Missouri's offense didn't help their defense, as they turned the ball over on downs on their opening possession and missed a crucial 52-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter.

Missouri finally found their footing in the second quarter, with a run-oriented approach producing 31 yards before a personal foul by Mississippi State added another 15 yards. Trajen Greco intercepted Taylor and handed the ball to Simmons, who scored a touchdown. The defense stepped up and forced a turnover, allowing Simmons to complete a 9-yard pass to Donovan Olugbode.

The momentum carried into the third quarter, with DaMarion Fowlkes returning a kickoff 43 yards. Simmons connected with Cayden Lee on a screen pass, and Lee scored two touchdowns - a 21-yard run and a 28-yard catch. By the end of the third quarter, Lee had seven catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns, while Simmons threw for three touchdowns.

The fourth quarter saw Mizzou open with four rushing attempts before punting. Mississippi State responded with a lengthy drive that ended with Fluff Bothwell's touchdown run to tie the game. Mizzou's defense struggled to keep up, and they failed to capitalize on their opportunities in the final quarter. Ultimately, a missed fourth-down conversion sealed the game for Missouri as Mississippi State claimed the victory.