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Mississippi State showing mercy to Alcorn State in the second half of blowout

With the game out of hand, the Bulldogs and Braves have agreed to get this game over with quickly.
ByAndrew Miller|
Sep 13, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Isaac Smith (2) looks for the ball during the first half against the Alcorn State Braves at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Isaac Smith (2) looks for the ball during the first half against the Alcorn State Braves at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Mississippi State football is absolutely rolling in their home tilt with in-state, FCS opponent Alcorn State. The Bulldogs currently hold a 49-0 lead just a few minutes into the second half. With the game lopsided, State is showing some mercy to the visitors.

Rather than continue with a full, hour-long game, the third and fourth quarters of this game will be played with shortened, 10-minute quarters. Both head coaches in this matchup agreed to the adjustment, which is permitted by the NCAA.

This is the correct move. Nothing is gained by State continuing to run it up on the Braves for either team, and no one wants to see a player get hurt on meaningless snaps. Getting this game over with as quickly as possible is smart.

Mississippi State's first half against Alcorn State was as dominant as expected

If there was any concern about Mississippi State having some sort of a hangover after their massive upset win a week ago against Arizona State, the Bulldogs completely erased those concerns in the first half of tonight's game.

The Bulldogs outgained Alcorn State 348 to 124. They picked up 14 first downs and averaged 9.7 yards per play, with explosive touchdowns of 75 and 42 yards. Jeff Lebby's "Score From Far" mentality was in full effect. And despite the Braves managing a few solid gains, two turnovers and a missed field goal ended any hopes they had of making this game look respectable in any sense of the word.

Mississippi State's 42 first half points were their most in a half since scoring 45 against Troy in 2013. It's a beatdown, and that's exactly what it's expected to be. No offense to Alcorn State, but they're simply not on the level of any team in the SEC. If the Bulldogs came out locked-in for this game, it was going to get out of hand quickly, and that's what we've seen.

With the final outcome all but official, MSU can use the remainder of the game to rest starters and get reps for younger players. It's a fine reward for handling business as they should.

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