2021 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

Staff from 2021.{{Cite web|title=Football Coaches|url=https://hailstate.com/sports/football/coaches|access-date=2021-06-06|website=Mississippi State|language=en}}

class="wikitable"
Name	Position
Mike Leach	Head coach
Tony Hughes	Associate head coach & Nickelbacks Coach
Zach Arnett	Defensive coordinator & Linebackers coach
Matt Brock	Special teams coordinator & Outside Linebackers Coach
Darcel McBath	Cornerbacks coach
Eric Mele	Running backs coach
Mason Miller	Offensive line coach
Dave Nichol	Inside receivers coach
Jeff Phelps	Defensive line coach
Steve Spurrier Jr.	Outside receivers coach
Jason Washington	Safeties coach
Tyson Brown	Head strength and conditioning coach

In the preseason media poll, Mississippi State was predicted to finish last in the West Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.secsports.com/article/29952339/preseason-sec-media-poll-all-sec-team-announced|title=Preseason SEC media poll, All-SEC Team announced|date=September 23, 2020|website=SECSports.com|publisher=Southeastern Conference}}

class="wikitable" style="display: inline-table;" |+West

align="center" {{CollegeSecondaryHeader|team=Mississippi State Bulldogs|Predicted finish|Team|Votes (1st place)}}

align="center" | 1 | Alabama | 932 (130)

align="center" | 2 | Texas A&M | 760 (1)

align="center" | 3 | LSU | 633 (1)

align="center" | 4 | Ole Miss | 529 (1)

align="center" | 5 | Auburn | 440

align="center" | 6 | Arkansas | 241 (1)

align="center" | 7 | Mississippi State | 217

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 2021

| rankdivision = NCAA Division I FBS

| poll = AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after November 2) - Released prior to game

| timezone = Central

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 4

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 35–34

| opprank =

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Louisiana Tech

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| tv = ESPNU

| attend = 44,669

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 11

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 24–10

| opprank =

| nonconf = y

| opponent = NC State

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| tv = ESPN2

| attend = 45,834

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 18

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 29–31

| opprank =

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Memphis

| site_stadium = Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Memphis, TN

| tv = ESPN2

| attend = 43,461

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 25

| time = 11:00 a.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 25–28

| opprank =

| opponent = LSU

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| attend = 50,298

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 2

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 26–22

| opprank = 15

| away = y

| opponent = Texas A&M

| site_stadium = Kyle Field

| site_cityst = College Station, TX

| tv = SECN

| attend = 87,973

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 16

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 9–49

| opprank = 5

| opponent = Alabama

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| attend = 53,796

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 23

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 45–6

| opprank =

| away = y

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Vanderbilt Stadium

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| tv = SECN

| attend = 22,036

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 30

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 31–17

| opprank = 12

| homecoming = yes

| opponent = Kentucky

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| tv = SECN

| attend = 49,487

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 6

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 28–31

| rank = 17

| away = y

| opponent = Arkansas

| site_stadium = Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR

| tv = SECN

| attend = 68,818

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 13

| time = 11:00 a.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 43–34

| away = y

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 17

| site_stadium = Jordan–Hare Stadium

| site_cityst = Auburn, AL

| tv = ESPN

| attend = 87,451

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 20

| time = 11:00 a.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 55–10

| rank = 25

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Tennessee State

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| tv = ESPN+/SECN+

| attend = 46,770

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|November 25|Thursday (Thanksgiving)}}

| time = 6:30 p.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 21–31

| opprank = 9

| opponent = Ole Miss

| site_stadium = Davis Wade Stadium

| site_cityst = Starkville, MS

| gamename = Egg Bowl

| tv = ESPN

| attend = 55,601

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|December 28|Tuesday}}

| time = 5:45 p.m.

| w/l = l

| score = 7—34

| neutral = y

| nonconf = y

| opprank =

| opponent = Texas Tech

| site_stadium = Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Memphis, TN

| gamename = Liberty Bowl

| tv = ESPN

| attend = 48,615

}}

}}

{{cite web|url=https://fbschedules.com/mississippi-state-football-schedule/|title=2021 Mississippi State Football Schedule|publisher=FBSchedule|accessdate=January 28, 2021}}

{{See also|2021 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Louisiana Tech

|Host=Mississippi State

|V1=7|V2=14|V3=10|V4=3

|H1=14|H2=0|H3=0|H4=21

|Date=
September 4

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=
3:02 p.m.

|Attendance=44,669

|Weather=87, Sunny, Wind SE @ 3 mph

|Referee=James Carter

|TVAnnouncers=
John Schriffen (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Louisiana Tech football on TV, live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/09/03/watch-mississippi-state-bulldogs-la-tech-football-tv-livestream/5584138001/|date=2021-09-04|access-date=2021-09-05|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPNU

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |last=R.J. Morgan|title= Mississippi St. avoids La. Tech upset bid with 35-34 win|url= https://news.yahoo.com/mississippi-st-avoids-la-tech-002405352.html

|date=2021-09-03|access-date=2021-09-05|website=Yahoo! News}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -20.5	53

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Louisiana Tech Bulldogs}}"|LA Tech!!style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	14	22
Total yards	369	436
Rushing yards	101	66
Passing yards	268	371
Turnovers	2	4
Time of possession	27:40	32:20

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Louisiana Tech Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Louisiana Tech	Passing	Austin Kendall	20/36, 269 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Austin Kendall	5 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Bub Means	2 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	39/47, 370 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Jo'Quavious Marks	12 carries, 71 yards, 2 TD’S
Receiving	Jamire Calvin	3 receptions, 67 yards, 1 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 NC State Wolfpack football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=NC State

|Host=Mississippi State

|V1=0|V2=3|V3=0|V4=7

|H1=7|H2=7|H3=7|H4=3

|Date=
September 11

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=
6:05 p.m.

|Attendance=45,834

|Weather=83, Sunny, Wind SE @ 4 mph

|Referee=Jerry Magallanes

|TVAnnouncers=
Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Mike Golic Jr. (analyst), and Taylor McGregor (sideline) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. NC State football on TV, live stream plus game time|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/09/10/watch-mississippi-state-nc-state-football-tv-livestream-channel/8257550002/|date=2021-09-10|access-date=2021-09-12|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPN2

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web|last=Theo Derosa|title=Griffin’s kick return leads Mississippi St. over NC St.|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article254179138.html|date=2021-09-12|access-date=2021-09-12|website=The News & Observer|archive-date=2021-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912055239/https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article254179138.html|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|FirstEntry=yes|Quarter=1|QuarterEntries=1|Time=14:47|Team=MSSU|Event=Lideatrick Griffin 100 yard kickoff return (Brandon Ruiz kick)|Score=MSSU 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=2|QuarterEntries=2|Time=12:46|Team=NCSU|Event=Christopher Dunn 45 yard field goal
{{Small|(11 plays, 43 yards, 5:25)}}|Score=MSSU 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=1:09|Team=MSSU|Event=Malik Heath 21 yard pass from Will Rogers (Brandon Ruiz kick)
{{Small|(13 plays, 83 yards, 4:30)}}|Score=MSSU 14–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=3|QuarterEntries=1|Time=0:48|Team=MSSU|Event=Jaden Walley 4 yard pass from Will Rogers (Nolan McCord kick)
{{Small|(7 plays, 54 yards, 4:12)}}|Score=MSSU 21–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=4|QuarterEntries=2|Time=12:30|Team=MSSU|Event=Nolan McCord 32 yard field goal
{{Small|(8 plays, 51 yards, 2:23)}}|Score=MSSU 24–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=1:06|Team=NCSU|Event=Thayer Thomas 4 yard pass from Devin Leary (Christopher Dunn kick)
{{Small|(8 plays, 74 yards, 3:16)}}|Score=MSSU 24–10|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +1.5	56

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|NC State Wolfpack}}"|NC State!!style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	16	15
Total yards	335	316
Rushing yards	32	22
Passing yards	303	294
Turnovers	3	0
Time of possession	28:54	31:06

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|NC State Wolfpack}}; text-align:center;"|NC State	Passing	Devin Leary	30/49, 303 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Zonovan Knight	8 carries, 31 yards
Receiving	Emeka Emezie	6 receptions, 92 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	33/49, 294 yards, 2 TD's
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	6 carries, 18 yards
Receiving	Dillon Johnson	6 receptions, 70 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Memphis Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Mississippi State

|Host=Memphis

|V1=3|V2=14|V3=0|V4=12

|H1=7|H2=0|H3=7|H4=17

|Date=
September 18

|Location=
Memphis, TN

|StartTime=
3:05 p.m.

|Attendance= 43,461

|Weather= 77, Cloudy, Wind NE @ 7 mph

|Referee=Marc Curles

|TVAnnouncers=
Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (field) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Memphis Tigers football on live stream, TV|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/09/17/watch-mississippi-state-vs-memphis-tigers-football-livestream-tv-channel/8360429002/|date=2021-09-17|access-date=2021-09-19|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPN2

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Frank Bonner II|title= Tigers go down to the wire in thrilling win over Mississippi State|url= https://dailymemphian.com/article/24190/memphis-win-mississippi-state-football

|date=2021-09-18|access-date=2021-09-19|website=The Daily Memphian}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|FirstEntry=yes|Quarter=1|QuarterEntries=2|Time=12:02|Team=MEM|Event=Sanchez Blake Jr. 49-yard fumble returned (Joe Doyle kick)
{{Small|(5 plays, 21 yards, 2:58)}}|Score=MEM 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=03:20|Team=MSST|Event=Nolan McCord 39-yard field goal
{{Small|(17 plays, 54 yards, 8:42)}}|Score=MEM 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=2|QuarterEntries=2|Time=09:58|Team=MSST|Event=Dillon Johnson 3-yard rush (Nolan McCord kick)
{{Small|(10 plays, 75 yards, 4:28)}}|Score=MSST 10–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=05:07|Team=MSST|Event=Jaden Walley 6-yard pass from Will Rogers (Nolan McCord kick)
{{Small|(9 plays, 81 yards, 3:41)}}|Score=MSST 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=3|Time=06:20|Team=MEM|Event=Calvin Austin III 21-yard pass from Seth Henigan (Joe Doyle kick)
{{Small|(12 plays, 98 yards, 4:59)}}|Score=MSST 17–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=4|QuarterEntries=5|Time=07:48|Team=MEM|Event=Calvin Austin III 25-yard pass from Seth Henigan (Joe Doyle kick)
{{Small|(4 plays, 36 yards, 1:18)}}|Score=MEM 21–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=05:36|Team=MEM|Event=Calvin Austin III 94-yard punt return (Joe Doyle kick)
{{Small|(5 plays, 22 yards, 2:12)}}|Score=MEM 28–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=03:03|Team=MSST|Event=Malik Heath 9-yard pass from Will Rogers (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)
{{Small|(6 plays, 57 yards, 2:33)}}|Score=MEM 28–23}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=02:02|Team=MEM|Event=Joe Doyle 51-yard field goal
{{Small|(4 plays, 4 yards, 1:01)}}|Score=MEM 31–23}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|Quarter=|Time=01:32|Team=MSST|Event=Makai Polk 36-yard pass from Will Rogers
{{Small|(2 plays, 65 yards, 0:30)}}|Score=MEM 31–29|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -3.0	64

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Memphis Tigers}}"|Memphis
First downs	26	12
Total yards	468	246
Rushing yards	49	87
Passing yards	419	159
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	40:33	19:27

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	50/67, 419 yards, 3 TD
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	7 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Makai Polk	11 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Memphis Tigers}}; text-align:center;"|Memphis	Passing	Seth Henigan	16/28, 159 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Brandon Thomas	16 carries, 86 yards
Receiving	Calvin Austin	9 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 LSU Tigers football team|LSU–Mississippi State football rivalry}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=LSU

|Host=Mississippi State

|V1=7|V2=0|V3=14|V4=7

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=7|H4=15

|Date=
September 25

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=
11:07 a.m.

|Attendance= 50,298

|Weather= 74, Sunny, Wind NW @ 2 mph

|Referee=Alex Moore

|TVAnnouncers=
Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Dan Orlovsky (analyst), and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State football vs. LSU Tigers on TV, live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/09/23/how-watch-mississippi-state-bulldogs-lsu-tigers-football-tv-live-stream/5818119001/|date=2021-09-23|access-date=2021-09-27|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |title= Johnson has 4 TD passes, LSU outlasts Mississippi St. 28-25|url= https://www.wlox.com/2021/09/25/johnson-has-4-td-passes-lsu-outlasts-mississippi-st-28-25/

|date=2021-09-25|access-date=2021-09-27|website=WLOX}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +1.5	56

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|LSU Tigers}}"|LSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	15	29
Total yards	343	486
Rushing yards	63	115
Passing yards	280	371
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	24:52	35:08

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|LSU Tigers}}; text-align:center;"|LSU	Passing	Max Johnson	17/27, 280 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Tyrion Davis-Price	13 carries, 51 yards
Receiving	Kayshon Boutte	4 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	47/62, 371 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	8 carries, 51 yards
Receiving	Makai Polk	8 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Texas A&M Aggies football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Mississippi State

|Host=No. 15 Texas A&M

|V1=10|V2=7|V3=7|V4=2

|H1=7|H2=6|H3=6|H4=3

|Date=
October 2

|Location=
College Station, TX

|StartTime=
6:07 p.m.

|Attendance= 87,973

|Weather= Sunny

|Referee= Lee Hedrick

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color) and Cole Cubelic (sideline) {{Cite web |last=Nick Gray|title= How to watch Mississippi State football vs. Texas A&M Aggies on TV, live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2021/10/02/mississippi-state-bulldogs-football-texas-a-m-how-to-watch-tv-live-stream/5953821001/|date=2021-10-02|access-date=2021-10-04|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation=SECN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Zach Taylor|title= No. 15 Aggie Football Upset by Mississippi State|url= https://www.wlox.com/2021/09/25/johnson-has-4-td-passes-lsu-outlasts-mississippi-st-28-25/

|date=2021-10-03|access-date=2021-10-04|website=WTAW (AM)}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +7.0	47

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Texas A&M Aggies}}"|Texas A&M
First downs	27	15
Total yards	438	297
Rushing yards	30	162
Passing yards	408	135
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	35:06	24:54

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	46/59, 408 yards, 3 TD
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	6 carries, 19 yards
Receiving	Makai Polk	13 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Texas A&M Aggies}}; text-align:center;"|Texas A&M	Passing	Zach Calzada	12/20, 135 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Isaiah Spiller	16 carries, 100 yards
Receiving	Jalen Preston	2 receptions, 49 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama-Mississippi State football rivalry}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= No. 5 Alabama

|Host= Mississippi State

|V1=14|V2=7|V3=14|V4=14

|H1=3|H2=3|H3=3|H4=0

|Date=
October 16

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=
6:11 p.m.

|Attendance=53,796

|Weather=63, Sunny, Wind N @ 7 mph

|Referee=Matt Loeffler

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Alabama football on TV, live stream plus game time|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/10/15/watch-mississippi-state-vs-alabama-football-tv-live-stream-bulldogs-crimson-tide/8423564002/|date=2021-10-15|access-date=2021-10-15|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=David Cobb|title= Alabama vs. Mississippi State score, takeaways: No. 5 Tide demolish Bulldogs in get-right game|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/alabama-vs-mississippi-state-score-takeaways-no-5-tide-demolish-bulldogs-in-get-right-game/live/|date=2021-10-16|access-date=2021-10-18|website=CBS Sports}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +17.0	58

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}"|Alabama!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	22	24
Total yards	543	299
Rushing yards	195	-1
Passing yards	348	300
Turnovers	0	3
Time of possession	29:53	30:07

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"|Alabama	Passing	Bryce Young	20/28, 348 yards, 4 TD
Rushing	Roydell Williams	11 carries, 78 yards
Receiving	John Metchie III	7 receptions, 117 yards, 1 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	35/55, 300 yards, 3 INT
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	7 carries, 24 yards
Receiving	Jaden Walley	6 receptions, 64 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Vanderbilt Commodores football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Mississippi State

|Host=Vanderbilt

|V1=10|V2=14|V3=7|V4=14

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=3|H4=0

|Date=
October 23

|Location=
Nashville, TN

|StartTime=3:01 p.m.

|Attendance=22,036

|Weather=Sunny

|Referee=Ken Williamson

|TVAnnouncers= Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst) and Alyssa Lang (sideline reporter) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Vanderbilt football on TV, live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/10/22/how-watch-mississippi-state-vs-vanderbilt-football-tv-live-stream/6122716001/|date=2021-10-22|access-date=2021-10-25|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation=SECN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Aria Gerson|title= Vanderbilt football crushed by Mississippi State, 45-6|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2021/10/23/vanderbilt-blown-out-mississippi-state-45-6/8473583002/|date=2021-10-23|access-date=2021-10-25|website=The Tennessean}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -20.5	53

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Vanderbilt Commodores}}"|Vanderbilt
First downs	29	5
Total yards	522	155
Rushing yards	61	9
Passing yards	461	146
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	39:02	20:58

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	41/57, 384 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	7 carries, 34 yards
Receiving	Jaden Walley	5 receptions, 72 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Vanderbilt Commodores}}; text-align:center;"|Vanderbilt	Passing	Mike Wright	12/17, 122 yards, 1 INT
Rushing	Rocko Griffin	7 carries, 12 yards
Receiving	Devin Boddie Jr.	4 receptions, 69 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Kentucky Wildcats football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= No. 12 Kentucky

|Host= Mississippi State

|V1=7|V2=3|V3=0|V4=7

|H1=0|H2=14|H3=17|H4=0

|Date=
October 30

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=6:09 p.m.

|Attendance=49,487

|Weather=55, Cloudy, Wind NW @ 5 mph

|Referee=Lee Hendrick

|TVAnnouncers= Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Kentucky football on TV and live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/10/29/how-watch-mississippi-state-vs-kentucky-football-tv-and-live-stream/6180883001/|date=2021-10-29|access-date=2021-11-09|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation=SECN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Gabriel Stovall|title= Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: The Wildcats fall to Bulldogs 31-17|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/2021/10/30/kentucky-vs-mississippi-state-football-live-updates-scores/6212069001/|date=2021-10-30|access-date=2021-11-09|website=Louisville Courier Journal}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -1.0	47

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|Kentucky!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	14	27
Total yards	216	438
Rushing yards	66	94
Passing yards	150	344
Turnovers	4	0
Time of possession	18:50	41:10

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|Kentucky	Passing	Will Levis	17/28, 150 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing	Chris Rodriguez Jr.	8 carries, 34 yards
Receiving	Wan'Dale Robinson	9 receptions, 79 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	36/39, 344 yards, 1 TD
Rushing	Jo’Quavious Marks	20 carries, 58 yards , 1 TD
Receiving	Jaden Walley	6 receptions, 95 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Arkansas Razorbacks football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= No. 17 Mississippi State

|Host= Arkansas

|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=7 |V4=14

|H1=10 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=15

|Date=
November 6

|Location=
Fayetteville, AR

|StartTime=3:01 p.m.

|Attendance=68,818

|Weather=62, Sunny, Wind SW @ 4 mph

|Referee=Jason Autrey

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Arkansas football on TV and live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/11/05/how-watch-mississippi-state-vs-arkansas-football-tv-live-stream/6285606001/|date=2021-11-05|access-date=2021-11-09|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation=SECN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Eric W. Bolin|title= Arkansas scores in final minute to beat Mississippi State|url=https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-arkansas-mississippi-mississippi-state-bulldogs-football-29c674148559abc25975a014726e1fd7|date=2021-11-06|access-date=2021-11-09|website=Associated Press}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +4.0	54

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Arkansas Razorbacks}}"|Arkansas
First downs	28	23
Total yards	486	393
Rushing yards	69	202
Passing yards	417	191
Turnovers	1	0
Time of possession	32:14	27:46

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	36/48, 417 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Jo'Quavious Marks	11 carries, 40 yards
Receiving	Makai Polk	8 receptions, 117 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Arkansas Razorbacks}}; text-align:center;"|Arkansas	Passing	KJ Jefferson	19/23, 191 yards, 1 TD
Rushing	Dominique Johnson	17 carries, 107 yards, 2 TD
Receiving	Treylon Burks	6 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Auburn Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= Mississippi State

|Host= No. 17 Auburn

|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3=13 |V4=20

|H1=14 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=6

|Date=
November 13

|Location=
Auburn, AL

|StartTime=11:07 a.m.

|Attendance=87,451

|Weather=55, Sunny, Wind NW @ 10 mph

|Referee=Steve Marlowe

|TVAnnouncers=Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Kris Budden (sideline reporter) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Auburn football on TV, live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/11/11/how-watch-mississippi-state-vs-auburn-football-tv-live-stream/6383600001/|date=2021-11-11|access-date=2021-11-15|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |last=Tom Green|title= Auburn’s defense surrenders 40 unanswered points in loss to Mississippi State|url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2021/11/auburns-defense-surrenders-40-unanswered-points-in-loss-to-mississippi-state.html|date=2021-11-13|access-date=2021-11-15|website=AL.com}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | +5.5	51

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Auburn Tigers}}"|Auburn
First downs	31	22
Total yards	487	483
Rushing yards	72	106
Passing yards	415	377
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	35:01	24:59

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	44/55, 415 yards, 6 TD
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	8 carries, 62 yards
Receiving	Jaden Walley	7 receptions, 87 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Auburn Tigers}}; text-align:center;"|Auburn	Passing	Bo Nix	27/41, 377 yards, 2 TD
Rushing	Ja'Varrius Johnson	1 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Kobe Hudson	8 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Tennessee State Tigers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor= Tennessee State

|Host= No. 25 Mississippi State

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=10

|H1=21 |H2=14 |H3=14 |H4=6

|Date=
November 20

|Location=
Starkville, MS

|StartTime=11:02 a.m.

|Attendance=46,770

|Weather=55, Sunny, Wind SE @ 8 mph

|Referee= Daniel Gautreaux

|TVAnnouncers= Mike Couzens (play-by-play), Dustin Fox (analyst) {{Cite web |last=Molly Weisner|title= How to watch Mississippi State vs. Tennessee State football on live stream|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/11/18/watch-mississippi-state-vs-tennessee-state-football-live-stream/8670481002/|date=2021-11-18|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Clarion-Ledger}}

|TVStation= ESPN+/SECN+

}}

• Sources: {{Cite web |title=Mississippi State dominates Tennessee State 55-10|url=https://www.wlbt.com/2021/11/20/mississippi-state-dominates-tennessee-state-55-10/|date=2021-11-20|access-date=2021-11-22|website=WLBT}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -44.0	56

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee State Tigers}}"|Tenn State!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	14	23
Total yards	205	600
Rushing yards	35	107
Passing yards	170	493
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	35:20	24:40

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee State Tigers}}; text-align:center;"|Tennessee State	Passing	Deveon Bryant	9/11, 128 yards
Rushing	Devon Starling	11 carries, 33 yards
Receiving	Cam Wyche	4 receptions, 88 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	28/34, 391 yards, 5 TD
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	5 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Makai Polk	9 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Ole Miss Rebels football team|Egg Bowl}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title= Egg Bowl

|Visitor= No. 9 Ole Miss

|Host= Mississippi State

|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3=7 |V4=14

|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=15

|Date= November 25

|Location= Starkville, MS

|StartTime=6:33 p.m.

|Attendance=55,601

|Weather=Rain • Temperature: {{convert|55|F|C}}

|Referee=Ken Williamson

|TVAnnouncers= Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web |title=Ole Miss defeats Mississippi State in 94th Egg Bowl|url=https://www.wlbt.com/2021/11/26/ole-miss-defeats-mississippi-state-94th-egg-bowl/|date=2021-11-26|access-date=2021-11-26|website=WLBT}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -2.0	65

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Ole Miss Rebels}}"|Ole Miss!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	23	30
Total yards	388	420
Rushing yards	154	84
Passing yards	234	336
Turnovers	1	0
Time of possession	30:16	29:44

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Ole Miss Rebels}}; text-align:center;"|Ole Miss	Passing	Matt Corral	26/34, 234 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Jerrion Ealy	16 carries, 60 yards
Receiving	Dontario Drummond	14 receptions, 138 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	38/58, 336 yards, 1 TD
Rushing	Jo'Quavious Marks	8 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Makai Polk	10 receptions, 98 yards

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team|2021 Liberty Bowl}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title= AutoZone Liberty Bowl

|Visitor= Texas Tech

|Host= Mississippi State

|V1=10 |V2=3 |V3=14 |V4=7

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date= December 28

|Location= Memphis, TN

|StartTime= 5:45 pm CST

|Attendance= 48,615

|Weather=Temperature: {{convert|69|F|C}} • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: S 10 MPH

|Referee= Riley Jefferson

|TVAnnouncers= Dave Neal (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (analyst), Andraya Carter (sideline)

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{Cite web|title=Box Score|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore/_/gameId/401331223|date=2021-12-28|access-date=2022-04-26|website=ESPN}}

{{AFB game box end}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center" ! style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}|Over/under
align="center" | -10.0	58

class="wikitable" style="float: left;" ! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Texas Tech Red Raiders}}"|TTU!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSU
First downs	24	21
Total yards	512	344
Rushing yards	260	54
Passing yards	252	290
Turnovers	0	3
Time of possession	30:57	28:41

class="wikitable" style="float: right;" ! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Texas Tech Red Raiders}}; text-align:center;"|Texas Tech	Passing	Donovan Smith	15/28, 252 yards, 1 TD
Rushing	Tahj Brooks	16 rushes, 107 yards, 1 TD
Receiving	Myles Price	3 receptions, 72 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi State	Passing	Will Rogers	32/53, 290 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing	Dillon Johnson	9 rushes, 62 yards
Receiving	Austin Williams	5 receptions, 74 yards

{{Clear}}

==Rankings==

{{Further|2021 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS CFP ranking movements

| year = {{2021}}

| finalpollweek = 15

| cfpfirstweek = 9

| AP_pre = NR

| coaches_pre = RV

| AP_1 = NR

| coaches_1 = NR

| AP_2 = NR

| coaches_2 = RV

| AP_3 = NR

| coaches_3 = NR

| AP_4 = NR

| coaches_4 = NR

| AP_5 = RV

| coaches_5 = RV

| AP_6 = RV

| coaches_6 = RV

| AP_7 = NR

| coaches_7 = NR

| AP_8 = NR

| coaches_8 = NR

| AP_9 = RV

| coaches_9 = RV

| cfp_9 = 17

| AP_10 = NR

| coaches_10 = NR

| cfp_10 = NR

| AP_11 = RV

| coaches_11 = RV

| cfp_11 = 25

| AP_12 = RV

| coaches_12 = RV

| cfp_12 = NR

| AP_13 = RV

| coaches_13 = RV

| cfp_13 = NR

| AP_14 = RV

| coaches_14 = RV

| cfp_14 = NR

| AP_15 = NR

| coaches_15 = NR

}}

{{see also|2022 NFL draft}}

Mississippi State had two players selected in the 2022 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/draft.htm |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" {{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Mississippi State Bulldogs|Round |Pick |Player |Position |NFL Club}}
1	9	Charles Cross	OT	Seattle Seahawks
3	68	Martin Emerson	CB	Cleveland Browns

{{Reflist}}

{{Mississippi State Bulldogs football navbox}}

Mississippi State

Category:Mississippi State Bulldogs football seasons

Mississippi State Bulldogs football