Brenen Thompson’s game-winning touchdown catch may become known as the Half Million Dollar Grab in Mississippi State lore.
The 58-yard connection from Blake Shapen to Thompson with 30 seconds left catapulted the Bulldogs to a 24-20 upset victory over No. 12 Arizona State on Saturday. Fans rushed the field afterward and took down the goalposts, leading the Southeastern Conference to fine Mississippi State $500,000 on Monday for a “violation of the league’s access to competition area policy.”
The SEC access policy states that spectators aren’t allowed to be inside the competition area at any time. The league cites that the rule protects participants and spectators.
The swarming of the field came not long after it looked like the Sun Devils were about to hand the Bulldogs a highly disappointing setback.
Mississippi State blew a 17-point lead and Arizona State rallied to tie the game. The Sun Devils later had the ball at the Bulldogs’ 3-yard line but Mississippi State stuffed three straight running plays to limit Arizona State to a field goal and a three-point lead with 1:38 left.
The Bulldogs attempted to rally and Shapen hit Thompson in stride at the Arizona State 25 en route to the go-ahead score. Hunter Washington’s interception with 21 seconds left assured the victory and cowbell-ringing fans were ready to celebrate.
Thousands of fans rushed the field and the goalposts were quickly pulled down and carried out of Davis Wade Stadium.
The SEC access to competition was originally adopted in 2004. Financial penalties have been increased three times, including at May’s SEC Spring Meetings when the penalty was raised to $500,000.
Mississippi State (2-0) hosts FCS program Alcorn on Saturday. A victory would allow the Bulldogs to eclipse last season’s win total, when they posted a 2-10 mark.
