Vanderbilt Beats Mississippi State 25-23 on Record Six Field Goals

Brock Taylor converted six field goals, including two from beyond the 50-yard line, to lead Vanderbilt to a 25-23 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. The win marks the Commodores’ first SEC victory of the season, according to a report from the official Vanderbilt athletics website.

The victory in Starkville provides a much-needed momentum shift for a Vanderbilt squad currently sitting at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play. While the Bulldogs also hold a 4-5 record, the win allows the Commodores to climb into a more competitive position within the SEC standings.

Taylor sets school record with six field goals

Vanderbilt established dominance early, entering halftime with a 16-0 lead. The offensive rhythm was set by a massive 87-yard drive that spanned 18 plays, eventually ending with a 2-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander. That score was significant not just for the momentum it provided, but because it moved Alexander into sole possession of eighth place on Vanderbilt’s all-time scoring list.

The Commodores’ defense played a crucial role in maintaining that early cushion. They held Mississippi State to just 71 yards during the first half, marking the first time the team has held an opponent scoreless in the opening half since their 2025 season opener against Charleston Southern. Jordan Matthews contributed to the defensive effort by recording his first career interception.

The statistical breakdown of the Vanderbilt offensive production shows a balanced approach to moving the chains:

Player	Statistic
Makhilyn Young	63 rushing yards
Sedrick Alexander	59 rushing yards
Jared Curtis	17-of-27 passing (168 yards)
Jared Curtis	22 rushing yards

Mississippi State attempted to claw back into the game during the second half. Quarterback AJ Swann connected with Sanfrisco Magee for a 65-yard touchdown pass to cut the Vanderbilt lead to 16-7. Shortly after, the Bulldogs capitalized on a defensive mistake when Tyshun Willis sacked Curtis and forced a fumble, which Will Whitson returned 14 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 16-14.

The decisive kicks in Starkville

As the momentum swung toward the Bulldogs, Taylor took over the scoring responsibilities for the Commodores. He connected on three field goals in the second half to keep Vanderbilt ahead. His accuracy from long range proved to be the difference-maker; he hit from 54 yards and later drilled a 55-yard field goal with just 1:46 remaining in the game to extend the lead to 25-17.

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Mississippi State responded with one final surge. Swann found Magee again for a 30-yard touchdown strike with only 32 seconds left on the clock, bringing the score to 25-23. The Bulldogs attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game, but the pass sailed out of the back of the end zone. Vanderbilt secured the win when Cole Spence smothered the subsequent onside kick attempt.

For Mississippi State, Swann finished the day with 254 passing yards on 23-of-36 completions and two touchdowns, though he did throw one interception. The loss leaves the Bulldogs at 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the SEC.

Vanderbilt now shifts its focus to a high-stakes home game. The Commodores return to FirstBank Stadium this coming Saturday to host No. 5 Alabama. The kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.