Sweet Homecoming Redemption? The Mississippi State Bulldogs return home to Davis Wade Stadium – The Reflector online

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MSU recently faced Texas, the University of Massachusetts, Kentucky and Arkansas for the homecoming games. This year, the Bulldogs will face off against a rare rival, the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The odds seem to favor the Bulldogs, who won their last meeting in 2021. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has been stagnant, with their last victory over the team in 2004. However, both teams share a similar struggle this season. 
MSU started the season with four consecutive wins over ULM, Minnesota, South Carolina and Missouri. Since then, the Bulldogs have fallen to Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas.
Vanderbilt also started the season strong, defeating Austin Peay, Delaware and NC State before losing five straight conference games, ranking last in the SEC. The Commodores enter Saturday’s matchup with a 3-5 overall record.
Even with their share of struggles, MSU still outweighs Vanderbilt in statistics. The Bulldogs have 1,298 rushing yards, 1,972 passing yards, and 168 completed passes. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has 849 rushing yards, 1,893 passing yards, and 158 completed passes. 
Following the 31-3 loss against Texas this past weekend, morale may be low for some fans heading into the game. This feels all too familiar, with the Bulldogs’ overall record at 5-8 for the 2025-26 season. 
However, Head Coach Jeff Lebby feels confident in his team’s ability heading into the homecoming game. During the Texas post-game press conference, Lebby said being back on home turf will be impactful for the team.
“Yeah, those guys understand, man, we’re going home. We’re going home for three weeks. We’ve got an incredible opportunity next Saturday at home to go win an SEC game… our guys will be excited to go play,” Lebby stated. “That will not be an issue. And if we build on what we just did defensively and continue to strike and to strain and to finish the way we did today and have done at times this year, then we’re going to have a chance to go win Saturday, and then we’ll reset, and we’ll get ready to do it again. But our guys will be excited about the opportunity to go and play.” 
Throughout the season, the team has been weakened by the injuries of multiple players. Quarterback Kamario Taylor has been sidelined for the rest of the season with a toe injury sustained while playing against Missouri. During the game against Texas, players Fluff Bothwell, AJ Swann and Miles McVay exited the field after sustaining injuries.  
This has become an ongoing frustration for the team.
“Yeah, it has been [frustrating], and that is part of this game,” Lebby said. “Haven’t lived anything like it, but we’re living it right now. And for us and for me, it will be about giving our guys the opportunity to play as good as we can possibly play so that we can go win next Saturday.”
According to senior linebacker Zakari Tillman, the players are leaning on each other through these challenging times. 
“It’s not going to be easy, you know what I’m saying. It’s all about how we respond as a team,” Tillman said. “Coach Lebby is doing a great job. I feel like getting us ready to play, so it’s really just individually and especially for myself just stepping up as a leader, you know, just telling them it’s going to be all right”.
The football game on Saturday may be the star of the show, but various homecoming festivities will also be taking place. Indie rock group “The Brook and the Bluff” kicked off the week with a live performance at Rick’s Cafe. Next up, Homecoming Palooza will take place on George Perry Street on Nov. 5, where participants can create their own custom items like plushies & airbrushed hats.
On Nov. 6, guests can either enjoy the 2026 Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic or the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show. The Diamond Dawg Classic will take place at Dudy Noble Field, while the NPHC organizations will perform at the Newell-Grissom Building.
On Friday, MSU’s Student Association will also host “Crowns for a Cause” with Starkville Strong from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Following, the MSU Alumni Association is hosting its annual True Maroon Trek 5k, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. Participants will start at the Hunter Henry Center and finish at McCarthy Quad.
The Commodores will head to Starkville and play the Bulldogs on Nov. 7 at 3:15 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium. The game will stream on the SEC Network. 
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