Southern Miss football score updates vs. Mississippi State in Week 12

STARKVILLE — Southern Miss football is back in action Saturday following last week's thrilling 34-31 overtime victory at Louisiana.

The Golden Eagles (3-7, 2-5 Sun Belt Conference) had two extra days to prepare for the matchup at Mississippi State (4-6, 1-6 SEC) as they try to slay their in-state foe for the first time since 1988.

The Bulldogs fired head coach Zach Arnett on Monday, leaving interim coach Greg Knox in charge.

The big question for Southern Miss will be who starts at quarterback between Clemson transfer Billy Wiles and true freshman Ethan Crawford.

Southern Miss game time, TV channel and betting odds vs. Mississippi State

• KICKOFF: 11 a.m.

• TV CHANNEL: ESPN+, SECN+

• BETTING LINE: Mississippi State by 17.5

Southern Miss football score updates vs. Mississippi State

FINAL SCORE: Mississippi State 41, Southern Miss 20

Fourth Quarter

MSU 41, USM 20: Keeping the momentum going

Four minutes after their last touchdown, the Bulldogs 69 yard interception return thanks to linebacker Jett Johnson. After the PAT MSU extends its lead 41-20 with three minutes left in the game.

MSU 34, USM 20: Widening the gap with a TD

Bulldogs are quick to get back on the board with a 59 yard rushing touchdown by running back Jeffery Pittman. After the two point conversion Mississippi State leads with 7:14 left in the game.

MSU 26, USM 20: Golden Eagles trying to keep it close

Making a last minute offensive surge is Southern Miss with a 98 yard kickoff return touchdown by wide receiver Jakarius Caston. After the PAT the Golden Eagles still trail by 6 with 7:52 on the clock.

MSU 26, USM 13: Bulldogs love FG's

For the fourth time today, kicker Kyle Ferrie comes in clutch once again but this time with a 30 yard field goal. There's eight minutes left in the game with MSU leading 26-13.

MSU 23, USM 13: Golden Eagles cutting the deficit

Still trailing behind is the Golden Eagles but with plenty of game and opportunity left to make it a close one. Quarterback Billy Wiles makes a 44 yard pass to wide receiver Jakarius Caston for a touchdown. After the failed PAT Southern Miss trails 23-13 with 13 minutes left of football.

Third Quarter

MSU 23, USM 7: TD No. 2 for the Bulldogs

Finding some offensive for the first time in weeks is MSU with the help of QB1 Will Rodgers who was battling with an injury for some time. Rodgers makes a 15 yard pass to running back Jo'Quavious Marks for six. After the PAT Mississippi State leads 23-7 with 10 minutes left in the third.

Second Quarter

MSU 16, USM 7: Finishing the half on a strong note

Mississippi State wraps up the second quarter with a 41 yard field goal from Kicker Kyle Ferrie in the last second. The Bulldogs and the Golden Eagles will head into the second half with nine points separating the pair.

MSU 13, USM 7: Adding on insurance

Not long after their touchdown, the Bulldogs go for another field goal from kick Kyle Ferrie to extend the lead. After the 29 yard field goal the Bulldogs and Golden Eagles have 12 minutes to go in the first half.

MSU 10, USM 7: First TD of the day for MSU

After going a full quarter without seeing the end zone, the Bulldogs are quick to grab a touchdown courtesy of quarterback Will Rogers 8 yard pass to wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin. After the PAT MSU grabs its first lead of the day with just under 14 minutes on the clock.

First Quarter

USM 7, MSU 3: Bulldogs opt for a FG

Kicker Kyle Ferrie helps Mississippi State get on the board with a 48 yard field goal with four minutes left in the first quarter.

USM 7, MSU 0: Golden Eagles strike first

To open up the scoring, USM quarterback Ethan Crawford makes an 8 yard reception to running back Frank Gore Jr. for a touchdown. After the PAT Southern Miss leads Mississippi State 7-0 with 11 minutes on the clock.

Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Southern Miss score updates vs. Mississippi State in Week 12 football