The Mississippi State Bulldogs have shifted their 2027 home matchup against the Missouri State Bears to the season-opener, FBSchedules.com has learned.
Mississippi State had previously been scheduled to host Missouri State on September 4, 2027. According to an amendment to the game contract obtained from the Missouri State University via a state open records request, the contest has been shifted forward and will now be played on August 28, 2027, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss.
The date adjustment aligns with the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs may begin most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1 in most seasons.
Mississippi State and Missouri State have never met on the gridiron. Mississippi State is undefeated against current members of Conference USA (7-0), while Missouri State is winless in 12 previous contests against SEC opponents.
Mississippi State’s remaining non‑conference slate in 2027 includes home contests against Minnesota on September 11 and Chattanooga on October 9, which was moved up from November 20.
Following the season-opener at Mississippi State, Missouri State is scheduled to visit Cincinnati on Sept. 11 and host Arkansas State on Sept. 25, leaving one non-conference opening that will likely be filled by an FCS opponent.
Mississippi State is set to open the 2026 season at home on Saturday, September 5, against ULM. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm ET / 6:30pm CT and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
Missouri State opens its fall campaign on the same day on the road against Texas A&M. The game will be televised live via ESPN at 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT.
