Brock Taylor’s six field goals lift Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt earned its first SEC victory of the season Saturday, beating Mississippi State 25-23 in Starkville behind a school-record six field goals from Brock Taylor. The Commodores improved to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play, while the Bulldogs fell to 4-5 and 2-5.

Taylor made kicks from 38, 36 and 22 yards as Vanderbilt built a 16-0 halftime lead. The Commodores also produced an 87-yard, 18-play drive, their longest of the season, capped by Sedrick Alexander’s 2-yard touchdown run. Alexander reached eighth on Vanderbilt’s career scoring list outright.

Vanderbilt’s defense limited Mississippi State to 71 first-half yards, and Jordan Matthews recorded his first career interception. It was the Commodores’ first scoreless opening half on defense since the 2025 season opener against Charleston Southern.

Mississippi State quickly tightened the game after halftime. AJ Swann threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Sanfrisco Magee. On the ensuing Vanderbilt possession, Tyshun Willis forced a Jared Curtis fumble. Will Whitson returned it 14 yards for a touchdown, cutting Vanderbilt’s lead to 16-14.

Taylor answered with field goals from 54 and 34 yards before connecting from 55 yards with 1:46 remaining, giving Vanderbilt a 25-17 advantage. Swann found Magee for a 30-yard touchdown with 32 seconds left, but Vanderbilt stopped the two-point attempt. Cole Spence recovered the ensuing onside kick.

The Commodores rushed for 160 yards, led by Makhilyn Young’s 63 and Alexander’s 59. Curtis completed 17 of 27 passes for 168 yards and added 22 rushing yards. Swann: 23-of-36, 254 yards, two touchdowns, one interception.

Why it matters

The victory moved Vanderbilt to 4-5 and delivered its first SEC win after five conference losses. Taylor’s school-record six field goals supplied 18 of the Commodores’ 25 points.

What to watch next

Vanderbilt returns to FirstBank Stadium on Saturday to face No. 5 Alabama at 11:45 a.m.