In a stunning turn of events during Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was rocked by major upsets, with Mississippi State pulling off a dramatic victory over No. 12 Arizona State and Florida suffering a shocking loss to USF, highlighting the unpredictability of early-season play. These results sent ripples through the college football landscape, challenging preseason expectations and setting the stage for a volatile season ahead.
Mississippi State’s upset of Arizona State was the highlight of the day, capped by a thrilling 58-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Shapen to Brenen Thompson with just 30 seconds remaining, sealing a 24-20 victory. The Bulldogs, who had won only one of their last 17 games against Power 4 competition, defied odds in a game that saw Shapen throw for multiple long touchdowns and the defense hold strong against a ranked opponent. The win sparked euphoria among fans, who stormed the field at Davis Wade Stadium, tearing down goalposts in a celebration reminiscent of historic upsets, underscoring the emotional high for a program often overlooked in the SEC.
Simultaneously, Florida’s loss to USF added to the conference’s surprises, as the Gators fell 18-16 on a last-second field goal by the Bulls. Quarterback DJ Lagway struggled throughout the game, failing to push the ball downfield effectively, and the offense converted only 4 of 12 third-down attempts. USF’s quarterback Byrum Brown orchestrated the win with 263 passing yards and 66 rushing yards, exposing flaws in Florida’s defense and raising immediate questions about head coach Billy Napier’s future after a promising end to the previous season.
The context of these upsets magnifies their impact; Mississippi State entered the game as heavy underdogs, having been labeled by some as the ‘new Vanderbilt’ due to recent struggles, while Arizona State was coming off a strong 2024 season as Big 12 champions. Florida, ranked 13th, was expected to build on momentum from wins over LSU and Florida State last year, but the loss to a Group of 6 team without its own stadium marks a significant setback. These outcomes reflect the inherent volatility in college football, where preseason rankings can quickly be upended by on-field performances.
Beyond the scorelines, the games revealed deeper issues and strengths; Mississippi State’s resilience under pressure, with key plays in the final minutes, contrasts sharply with Florida’s inability to close out a game, highlighting divergent trajectories for these programs. The Bulldogs’ victory could serve as a catalyst for a turnaround season, while the Gators face a daunting schedule ahead with eight games against ranked opponents, increasing scrutiny on Napier’s leadership and team morale.
Other SEC action provided additional context, with teams like LSU and Georgia securing wins but struggling against lesser competition, suggesting broader conference challenges early in the season. The upsets have implications for the College Football Playoff race, potentially reshaping perceptions of SEC dominance and opening doors for other conferences to gain ground. Fans and analysts alike are left pondering whether these results are anomalies or signs of a more balanced competitive landscape in 2025.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State must build on this momentum in upcoming games, including a matchup against Florida, which now appears more competitive than anticipated. For Florida, the path forward involves addressing offensive inefficiencies and defensive lapses to avoid a potential 2-10 season, a scenario that seemed improbable just weeks ago. These Week 2 surprises serve as a reminder that in college football, every game can rewrite narratives, and the season’s story is only beginning to unfold.