Taylor’s school-record six field goals deliver Vanderbilt’s first SEC victory
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Vanderbilt finally broke through in Southeastern Conference competition Saturday, surviving a furious Mississippi State comeback to defeat the Bulldogs 25-23 in Starkville.
The victory ended a five-game losing streak for the Commodores and improved their record to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
The star of the afternoon was Vanderbilt kicker Brock Taylor, who established a school record by connecting on six field goals, including two attempts from beyond 50 yards.
Taylor’s remarkable performance ultimately provided the difference in a contest that Vanderbilt nearly allowed to slip away.
The Commodores dominated the opening half, producing several sustained possessions while preventing Mississippi State from establishing offensive rhythm.
Taylor opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal late in the first quarter. Vanderbilt followed with one of its most impressive possessions of the season, marching 87 yards on 18 plays while consuming 10 minutes and 19 seconds.
Running back Sedrick Alexander finished that drive with a two-yard touchdown run, extending the Vanderbilt advantage to 10-0.
Mississippi State struggled to produce first downs during much of the first half. Vanderbilt’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage and forced the Bulldogs into repeated punts.
A late interception by Jordan Matthews provided another scoring opportunity, and the Commodores entered halftime holding a commanding 16-0 lead.
However, Mississippi State emerged from the locker room with renewed energy.
Quarterback A.J. Swann connected with receiver Sanfrisco Magee on a 65-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter, giving the Bulldogs their first points of the afternoon.
Moments later, Mississippi State’s defense produced a game-changing play. Tyshun Willis pressured Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis and forced a fumble, which Will Whitson recovered and returned for a touchdown.
Suddenly, a game Vanderbilt appeared to control had become a two-point contest at 16-14.
The Commodores did not panic.
Instead, Taylor continued delivering in crucial situations, connecting on additional field goals to help Vanderbilt maintain its advantage.
Mississippi State mounted several late threats, including a possession that reached the Vanderbilt 8-yard line before the Bulldogs settled for a field goal.
Taylor added another field goal to extend Vanderbilt’s lead, but Swann connected again with Magee for a touchdown that brought Mississippi State within two points.
The Bulldogs attempted a two-point conversion that would have tied the game, but the attempt failed, preserving Vanderbilt’s narrow advantage.
Vanderbilt finished with 328 yards of total offense, including 160 rushing yards. Makhilyn Young led the Commodores with 63 rushing yards, while Alexander added 59 yards and a touchdown.
Curtis completed 17 of 27 passes for 168 yards.
Swann finished with 254 passing yards and two touchdowns for Mississippi State, with Magee accounting for 95 receiving yards and both scoring receptions.
What it means: Vanderbilt secured a badly needed conference victory and demonstrated resilience after nearly surrendering a substantial lead. The Commodores still face a difficult postseason path, with Alabama visiting Nashville next weekend. Mississippi State fell to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in league play, leaving the Bulldogs searching for answers after another disappointing conference defeat.
