2021 Missouri State Bears football team

The 2021 Missouri State Bears football team represented Missouri State University as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) for the 2021 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by second-year head coach Bobby Petrino, and played their home games at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Missouri. This was the Bears 115th season overall and their 36th season as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Bears came off a historic 2020 season which saw them return to the playoffs after a 30 year drought where they last made the playoffs in 1990.[1] Entering the season the team was predicted to finish 6th in the conference. The Bears finished the regular season with an 8-3 record (5-2 in conference play) which was good enough for second place in the Valley and their best finish to a season since 1990. The 2021 team set and matched numerous school records. QB Jason Shelley broke several school records in total offense and passing yards. He broke the single season passing record, total offense in a game, total offense in a season, games with more than 200 passing yards and matched the record for passes completed in a game. WR Ty Scott set school records in receiving yards in a season, matched touchdown receptions in a season, and 100 yard receiving games in a season. Scott was also the first receiver in school history to eclipse a thousand receiving yards in a season. P Grant Burkett set school records in punting average in a game and punting average in a season. The Bears qualified for the playoffs for the second straight year and hosted UT- Martin in the first round. This was the first home playoff game in Springfield since 1990 when Missouri State hosted Idaho.

Pregame of the 2020 FCS Playoff game between North Dakota and Missouri State.

2021 Missouri State Bears football
ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference
Ranking
STATSNo. 14
FCS CoachesNo. 14
Record8–4 (6–2 MVFC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorNick Petrino (2nd season)
Defensive coordinatorRyan Beard (2nd season)
Home stadiumRobert W. Plaster Stadium
(capacity: 17,500)
2021 Missouri Valley Football Conference standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 1 North Dakota State $^  7 –1   14 –1  
No. 14 Missouri State ^  6 –2   8 –4  
No. 16 Southern Illinois ^  5 –3   8 –5  
No. 18 South Dakota ^  5 –3   7 –5  
No. 4 South Dakota State ^  5 –3   11 –4  
No. 23 Northern Iowa ^  4 –4   6 –6  
Indiana State  3 –5   5 –6  
North Dakota  3 –5   5 –6  
Western Illinois  2 –6   2 –9  
Illinois State  2 –6   4 –7  
Youngstown State  2 –6   3 –7  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
Rankings from STATS Poll

Offseason

Recruiting

The Bears signed 11 freshman for the 2021 class.[2] They added four players from the state including late addition Kaden McMullen[3] who was the best QB in Missouri and number 5 in the 2021 class according to ESPN.[4] Other highlights include TE Gary Clinton who was 29 overall and the 3rd best TE in Missouri,[5] 3 star QB Hess Horne from Alabama, 3 star OL Brett Harris from Kansas City, and 2 star DL Sterling Smithson from Kansas.

US college sports recruiting information for 2021 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Kaden McMullen
QB		 O'Fallon, MO Christian High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jul 29, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   ESPN grade: 80
Gary Clinton
TE		 Webb City, MO Webb City High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Feb 4, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   ESPN grade: 71
Hess Horne
QB		 Eufaula, AL Eufaula High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Jan 12, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:3/5 stars
Brett Harris
OL		 Kansas City, MO Rockhurst High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 285 lb (129 kg) Dec 5, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:3/5 stars
Sterling Smithson
DL		 Stilwell, KS Blue Valley High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 305 lb (138 kg) Feb 4, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:2/5 stars
Naveli Dixson
OL		 Lakeland, FL Lakeland High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 310 lb (140 kg) Dec 17, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Udoka Ezeani
LB		 Richmond, TX Foster High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 207 lb (94 kg) Dec 16, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jordan Hoskins
LB		 Detroit, MI West Bloomfield High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Mark Hutchinson
OL		 Hayward, CA Pittsburg High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 280 lb (130 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Tywuan Lee
RB		 Hillirard, FL Hilliard High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Todric McGee
DB		 Wichita, KS Wichita Northwest High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Davin Simms
WR		 Wichita, KS Andover Central High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Siale Suliafu
DL		 Riverside, CA St. Bernard High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 279 lb (127 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Steven Ward
LB		 Nixa, MO Nixa High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Dec 12, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "ESPN commits". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  • "2021 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 27, 2021.

Transfers

Incoming

Missouri State brought in 18 transfers in the 2021 class, who were eligible to play right away. Several players have started right away on offense like Junior QB Jason Shelley from Utah State, Senior OL Sean Fitzgerald from Coastal Carolina, Sophomore WR Ty Scott from Central Michigan, and RS Senior WR Xavier Lane from Western Kentucky. Defensively, Senior LB Dimitri Moore from Vanderbilt, Freshman DB Donovan Clark from Boise State, and Junior CB Javian Smith have all made impacts.

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightYearHometownPrev. school
Andrew CunninghamTBARB6'1215SophomoreTampa, FloridaIowa Central CC
Kendrick DavisTBAOL6'4300SeniorWest Bend, WisconsinFort Hays State
Sean FitzgeraldTBAOL6'2290SeniorMount Pleasant, MichiganCoastal Carolina
Nick GalloTBAOG6'3285SophomoreLewisville, TexasIndependence CC
Ryan SuliafuTBAOL6'0279SophomoreRiverside, CaliforniaRiverside CC
Jason ShelleyTBAQB5'11190JuniorFrisco, TexasUtah State
Ty ScottTBAWR6'3194SophomoreEstill, South CarolinaCentral Michigan
Dimitri MooreTBALB6'3234SeniorCedar Hill, TexasVanderbilt
Terique OwensTBAWR6'3180RS SophomorePleasanton, CaliforniaFlorida Atlantic
Xavier LaneTBAWR6'4205RS SeniorMontgomery, AlabamaWestern Kentucky
Naveon MitchellTBARB5'10175RS FreshmanRichmond, TexasNew Mexico State
Donovan ClarkTBADB6'2194FreshmanTacoma, WashingtonBoise State
Javian SmithTBACB6'3193JuniorRichmond, TexasHouston
Jahod BookerTBAWR5'11182RS JuniorMontgomery, AlabamaAlabama State
Clayton IngramTBAOL6'0270RS FreshmanConcord, CaliforniaNorthern Arizona
Trae ThompsonTBALB6'1235SophomoreTulsa, OklahomaNortheastern Oklahoma CC
Jaylen StewartTBADB6'3190SomphomoreTexarkana, TexasEl Camino College
Jeremiah CarterTBAOL6'6313SophomoreBear, DelawareLackawanna College

Source:

Preseason

MVFC Media Poll

The Media picked the Bears to finish in 6th place. This was the highest prediction for the Bears since 2010.

MVFC media poll[6]
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st Place)
1South Dakota State454 (24)
2North Dakota State435 (18)
3North Dakota357
4Southern Illinois345
5Northern Iowa311 (1)
6Missouri State256
7Illinois State196
8South Dakota163
9Youngstown State126
10Indiana State112
11Western Illinois83

Preseason awards

Missouri State had seven players selected to the 2021 All-MVFC Preseason Team. 5 from the defense, 1 from the offense, and 1 from the specialists. The Bears had one player picked to the first team which was Junior defensive back, Montrae Braswell. 6 players were chosen to the second team.

Preseason All-MFVC Team[7]
Player Team Position Year
Montrae BraswellFirst TeamDBJR
Landon BebeeSecond TeamOLJR
Kevin EllisSecond TeamDLSR
Eric JohnsonSecond TeamDLRedshirt-SR
Kyriq McDonaldSecond TeamDBSR
Jose PizanoSecond TeamKJR
Tylar WiltzSecond TeamLBSR

Personnel

Coaching staff

Bobby Petrino's coaching staff remained the same from 2020. Ryan Beard remained with the Bears as the defensive coordinator. Nick Petrino remained with the Bears as the offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach. Petrino received a pay raise as well following the successful 2020 season.[8] Other members of the coaching staff such as offensive coordinator Nick Petrino, defensive line coach L.D. Scott, running backs coach Ronnie Fouch and defensive coordinator Ryan Beard also earned extensions and raises.[9]

Name Position Alma mater Joined staff
Bobby PetrinoHead coachCarroll College (1983)2020
Ryan BeardDefensive coordinator/ SafetiesWestern Kentucky (2012)2020
Nick PetrinoOffense coordinator / quarterbacks coachWestern Kentucky (2014)2020
Austin ApplebyWide receivers coachPurdue (2015)2020
Skyler CassityInside linebackers coachAuburn (2016)2020
Nelson FishbackTight ends coach/ co-special teams coordinatorWestern Kentucky (2015)2020
Ronnie FouchRunning backs coach/ recruiting coordinator/ co-special teams coordinatorIndiana State (2004)2020
Max HalpinOffensive line coachWestern Kentucky (2016)2020
Reggie JohnsonInside LinebackersLouisville (1996)2020
L.D. ScottDefensive line coach/ run game coordinatorLouisville (2009)2020
Tramain ThomasDefensive backs coachArkansas (2013)2020
Lynn MentzerDirector of football operationsCoastal Carolina (2005)2018

Source:[10]

Roster
2021 Missouri State Bears Football Roster

Quarterback

  •  3 Jason Shelley – junior (5'11, 197)
  •  8 Jaden Johnson – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 216)
  • 10 Jake Van Dyne – Redshirt Freshman (6'3, 193)
  • 11 Hess Horne – freshman (6'2, 183)

Running back

  •  0 Tobias Little – senior (6'0, 230)
  •  4 Andrew Cunningham – sophomore (6'1, 200)
  •  5 Kevon Latulas – junior (6'0, 200)
  • 14 Myron Mason – junior (5'8, 200)
  • 23 Tywuan Lee – freshman (6'2, 200)
  • 31 Celdon Manning – freshman (5'10, 180)
  • 32 Brandon Benjamin – freshman (5'9, 200)

Wide receiver

  •  1 Xavier Lane – senior (6'4, 210)
  •  6 Cairo Payne – sophomore (5'11, 175)
  •  9 Jordan Murray – junior (6'4, 233)
  • 15 Jahod Booker – junior (5'11, 185)
  • 16 Damoriea Vick – junior (6'3, 213)
  • 18 Terique Owens – junior (6'3, 193)
  • 19 Ty Scott – junior (6'3, 200)
  • 28 Myles Shaw – Redshirt freshman (5'9, 178)
  • 80 Isaiah Allred – senior (6'3, 214)
  • 81 Jakael Jackson – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 191)
  • 82 Davin Simms – freshman (6'0, 195)
  • 83 Michael Alphin – freshman (5'10, 175)
  • 84 DVontae Key – sophomore (5'10, 175)
  • 86 Marquis Yarbrough – Redshirt junior (5'11, 185)
  • 88 Hunter Wood – sophomore (6'1, 205)

Tight end

  •  2 Ron Tiavaasue – senior (6'3, 270)
  • 49 Carson Buddemeyer – sophomore (6'2, 241)
  • 87 Gary Clinton – freshman (6'2, 241)
  • 89 Isaac Smith – senior (6'7, 259)

Punter

  • 31 Grant Burkett – sophomore (6'1, 180)
  

Offensive lineman

  • 50 Paul Sogialofa – junior (6'5, 342)
  • 53 Jeremiah Carter – junior (6'6, 315)
  • 56 Ryan Suliafu – sophomore (6'2, 340)
  • 57 Naveli Dixson − Freshman (6'3, 314)
  • 60 Sean Fitzgerald – senior (6'2, 301)
  • 62 Ethan Barnett – sophomore (6'7, 300)
  • 63 Stingray Miller – junior (6'7, 290)
  • 65 Ian Fitzgerald – sophomore (6'5, 291)
  • 66 Grant Goodson – Redshirt freshman (6'6, 288)
  • 67 Remy Bilodeau – junior (6'3, 295)
  • 72 Mark Hutchinson – Redshirt freshman (6'2, 302)
  • 73 Landon Bebee – junior (6'3, 297)
  • 74 Mike Fangman – Redshirt freshman (6'2, 288)
  • 75 Kendrick Davis – senior (6'3, 310)
  • 76 Jake Swope – sophomore (6'7, 284)
  • 77 Clayton Ingram – sophomore (6'6, 308)
  • 79 Brett Harris – freshman (6'6, 295)

Defensive lineman

  • 15 Kevin Ellis – DE – senior (6'4, 244)
  • 33 Anthony Payne – DE – senior (6'2, 282)
  • 43 Caleb Dietlin – DE – freshman (6'3, 241)
  • 44 Siale Suliafu – DL – freshman (6'0, 295)
  • 47 Devin Goree – DE – sophomore (6'3, 243)
  • 90 Sterling Smithson – DL – freshman (6'3, 314)
  • 91 Ja'Veo Toliver – DE – Redshirt freshman (6'5, 290)
  • 93 Eric Johnson – DL – senior (6'5, 298)
  • 94 Ikenna Ahumibe – DT – junior (6'0, 299)
  • 95 Jalen Williams – DE – sophomore (6'4, 242)
  • 96 Armon Wallace – DL – freshman (6'0, 289)
  • 98 Arian Bhat – DL – junior (6'2, 290)
  • 99 Allen Love – DL – junior (6'2, 295)

Long snapper

  • 61 Caden Bolz – sophomore (6'0, 240)
  

Linebacker

  •  3 Dimitri Moore – senior (6'3, 232)
  •  5 Ferrin Manuleleua – senior (6'1, 230)
  • 10 Tylar Wiltz – senior (6'1, 219)
  • 21 Steven Ward – freshman (6'0, 215)
  • 24 Trae Thompson – junior (6'1, 250)
  • 26 Tahj Chambers – sophomore (6'2, 198)
  • 27 Udoka Ezeani – freshman (6'2, 203)
  • 36 Jordan Hoskins – freshman (6'0, 215)
  • 46 Ethan Mackowski – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 225)
  • 48 Tyler Lovelace – senior (6'2, 213)
  • 52 Bryan Ulrich – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 211)
  • 54 Von Young – sophomore (6'0, 226)
  • 58 Logan Decker – Redshirt sophomore (6'1, 218)
  • 59 Lucas Eastman – sophomore (6'3, 234)

Cornerback

  •  0 Kaunor Ashley – sophomore (5'10, 185)
  •  1 Zack Sanders – senior (6'0, 196)
  •  4 Montrae Braswell – junior (6'0, 190)
  • 11 Javian Smith – junior (6'3, 189)
  • 17 Nick Hessefort – junior (6'2, 196)
  • 20 Donovan Clark – Redshirt freshman (6'2, 193)
  • 22 Lemondre Joe – freshman (6'0, 172)
  • 41 Cole Bowen – Redshirt freshman (5'10, 178)

Safety

  •  6 Kyriq McDonald – senior (6'0, 209)
  •  7 Titus Wall – senior (6'0, 202)
  •  9 Mikey Miles – sophomore (6'2, 192)
  • 12 P.J. Hall – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 200)
  • 13 Todric McGee – freshman (6'1, 196)
  • 29 Dwight Jacobs Jr. – sophomore (5'10, 193)
  • 39 Brock Carter – junior (5'11 , 191)

Placekicker

  • 37 Spencer Grosz – sophomore (5'11, 173)
  • 38 Jose Pizano – junior (5'7, 218)

Source:[11]

Schedule

The Bears opened the season at Big 12 member Oklahoma State with a night game at Boone Pickens Stadium; where they lost a close matchup, 23-16. The Bears returned home for 2 straight at Plaster Stadium when they faced off with Central Arkansas and their first conference game with South Dakota for family weekend. Missouri State avenged 2 losses to UCA last fall with a 43-34 victory. They also beat South Dakota 31-23 to conclude the homestand. An early bye week split the two home games. Following the South Dakota game the Bears went on the road for two straight. They traveled to Illinois State where they won 41-20. Concluding the road trip was a game at Youngstown State where they lost 41-33. The team returned home for Homecoming against the Indiana State Sycamores where they crushed the Sycamores 37-7. North Dakota State in Fargo awaited Missouri State after Homecoming and the Bears lost 27-20 after leading late. A rematch of the playoff game from last season with North Dakota at home awaited the team and after a frantic 4th quarter comeback they got their revenge and won 32-28. The Bears traveled to Carbondale and beat the #7 Salukis 38-28. For their last home game of the year against Northern Iowa the team scored late to win 34-27. A late non-conference road trip to St. George to new division 1 school Dixie State ended the regular season for the Bears. After qualifying for the FCS Playoffs, Missouri State hosted their first home play off game since 1990. In the regular season, Missouri State had three non conference games, 5 home games and 6 away games.

Pregame against Missouri State.
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 46:00 p.m.at Oklahoma State*No. 24
ESPN+L 16–2350,807
September 117:00 p.m.No. 19 Central Arkansas*No. 23
ESPN+W 43–3411,247
September 257:00 p.m.South DakotaNo. 18
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
ESPN3W 31–2312,738
October 21:00 pmat Illinois StateNo. 16
ESPN+W 41–20N/A
October 91:00 p.m.at Youngstown StateNo. 16
ESPN+L 33–4112,444
October 162:00 p.m.Indiana StatedaggerNo. 20
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
ESPN+W 37–714,336
October 232:30 p.m.at No. 3 North Dakota StateNo. 17
ESPN+L 20–2715,559
October 302:00 p.m.North DakotaNo. 17
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
ESPN+W 32–288,372
November 612:00 p.m.at No. 7 Southern IllinoisNo. 17
ESPN3W 38–287,176
November 132:00 p.m. No. 20 Northern IowaNo. 16
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
ESPN+W 34–279,173
November 208:00 p.m.at Dixie State*No. 14
ESPN+W 55–242,794
November 273:00 p.m.No. 16 UT Martin*No. 12
ESPN+L 31–325,072

Last updated: October 18, 2021.
Source:

Game summaries

Regular Season

At Oklahoma State
See also: 2021 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team
Game One: #24 Missouri State Bears (0–0) at Oklahoma State Cowboys (0–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 24 Missouri State 0 3 6716
Oklahoma State 6 14 0323

at Boone Pickens Stadium • Stillwater, OK

  • Date: September 4
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 87 °F (31 °C), Winds N 16 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 50,807
  • Referee: Dan Scanlan • Umpire: Rod Tucker • Linesman: George Shoup • Line judge: Steve Hoslett • Back judge: Dion Spenard • Field judge: Patrick Herron • Side judge: Joseph Martinez
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Courtney Lyle (play-by-play), Brandon Weeden (analyst) & Shane Sparks (sideline)
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (9:47) OKST – Tay Martin 5-yard pass from Shane Illingworth, PAT Failed (Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:05; OKST 6–0)
Second Quarter
  • (11:38) OKST – Jaylen Warren 1-yard run, Alex Hale kick (Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 3:28; OKST 13–0)
  • (10:57) OKST – L.D. Brown 1-yard run, Alex Hale kick (Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards, 0:29; OKST 20–0)
  • (1:51) MSU – Jose Pizano 30-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:23; OKST 20–3)
Third Quarter
  • (7:27) MSU – Jose Pizano 48-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 1:30; OKST 20–6)
  • (1:15) MSU – Jose Pizano 33-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:11; OKST 20–9)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:05) OKST – Alex Hale 35-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards, 0:49; OKST 23–9)
  • (3:06) MSU – Ty Scott 8-yard pass from Jason Shelly, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:06; OKST 23–16)
StatisticsMSUOSU
First downs2316
Total yards336369
Rushes/yards37/10228/54
Passing yards234315
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24-46-022-40-1
Time of possession35:3024:30
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley23/44, 235 yards, 1 TD
RushingKevon Latulas6 carries, 45 yards
ReceivingXavier Lane8 receptions, 78 yards
Oklahoma StatePassingShane Illingworth22/40, 315 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingL.D. Brown15 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingTay Martin6 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State at Oklahoma State in 2021
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Oklahoma State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Game One Uniforms

#19 Central Arkansas
See also: 2021 Central Arkansas Bears football team
Game Two: #19 Central Arkansas Bears (0–1) at #23 Missouri State Bears (0–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 19 Central Arkansas 0 14 02034
No. 23 Missouri State 7 10 62043

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
  • Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 88 °F (31 °C), Winds S 10 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 11,247
  • Referee: Rick Warne • Umpire: Steve Flanagan • Linesman: Matthew Banks • Line judge: Grant Henderson • Back judge: Devin Aller • Field judge: Austin Hills • Side judge: Harlan Bizzell
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West, Correy Riggs
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (04:13) MSU - Tobias Little 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:42; MSU 0-7)
Second Quarter
  • (09:51) UCA - Sam Camargo 4 yard pass from Breylin Smith, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 5:09; TIED 7-7)
  • (07:23) MSU - Jason Shelley 16 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:28; MSU 7-14)
  • (04:32) UCA - Darius Hale 1 yard run, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:46; TIED 14-14)
  • (00:20) MSU - Jose Pizano 39 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:12; MSU 14-17)
Third Quarter
  • (07:34) MSU - Jose Pizano 35 yard field gold (Drive: 15 plays, 57 yards, 7:26; MSU 14-20)
  • (01:10) MSU - Jose Pizano 36 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:47; MSU 14-23)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:04) UCA - Darius Hale 3 yard run, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:55; MSU 21-23)
  • (03:17) UCA - Trysten Smith 3 yard run, 2 pt. conversion failed (Drive: 3 plays, 97 yards, 0:58; UCA 27-23)
  • (03:05) MSU - Montrae Braswell 96 yard kickoff return, Jose Pizano kick (MSU 27-30)
  • (02:15) UCA - Tyler Hudson 71 yard pass from Breylin Smith, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:51; UCA 34-30)
  • (00:29) MSU - Xavier Lane 26 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:37; MSU 34-37)
  • (00:00) MSU - Tylar Wiltz 45 yard interception return (MSU 34-43)
StatisticsUCAMSU
First downs2224
Total yards453378
Rushes/yards29/ 12134/ 147
Passing yards332231
Passing: Comp–Att–Int25-38-218-36-0
Time of possession27:4332:17
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Central ArkansasPassingBreylin Smith25/38, 332 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingTrysten Smith8 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingLujuan Winningham10 catches, 144 yards
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley18/36, 231 yards, 1 TD
RushingKevon Latulas10 carries, 98 yards
ReceivingXavier Lane9 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Central Arkansas
Game Two Uniforms

South Dakota
See also: 2021 South Dakota Coyotes football team
Game Three: South Dakota Coyotes (2–1) at #18 Missouri State Bears (1–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
South Dakota 14 9 0023
No. 18 Missouri State 7 7 31431

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
  • Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), Winds N NE 1 mph; Clear and Cool
  • Game attendance: 12738
  • Referee: Aaron Adams • Umpire: Keith Wohlers • Linesman: John Winter • Line judge: Scott Landy • Back judge: Kurt Dingmann • Field judge: Brad Brunet • Side judge: Leanne Surmin
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Scott Warmann, Danan Hughes, Kelly Burke
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:19) USD - Travis Their 8 yard run, Mason Lorber kick (Drive: 1 play, 21 yards, 00:08; USD 0-7)
  • (09:28) USD - Kody Case 21 yard pass from Carson Camp, Mason Lorber kick (Drive: 1 play, 21 yards, 00:08; USD 0-14)
  • (05:38) MSU - Jason Shelley 26 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 03:50; MSU 7-14)
Second Quarter
  • (01:52) MSU - Ty Scott 46 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 1 play, 46 yards, 00:08; TIED 14-14)
  • (01:38) USD - Wesley Eliodor 99 yard kickoff return, Mason Lorber kick blocked (USD 20-14)
  • (00:00) USD - Mason Lorber 27 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 1:05; USD 23-14)
Third Quarter
  • (10:21) MSU - Jose Pizano 42 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:31; USD 23-17)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:02) MSU - Kevon Latulas 3 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 6:19; MSU 23-24)
  • (04:42) MSU - Jason Shelley 12 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 1:34; MSU 23-31)
StatisticsUSDMSU
First downs1422
Total yards361439
Rushes/yards33/ 13046/ 158
Passing yards231281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int12-29-219-29-0
Time of possession24:1135:49
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
South DakotaPassingCarson Camp12/29, 231 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RushingNate Thomas4 carries, 60 yards
ReceivingCarter Bell3 catches, 102 yards
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley19/29, 281 yards, 2 TD
RushingTobias Little14 carries, 71 yards
ReceivingTy Scott7 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD
Helmet
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Missouri State
Helmet
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Trousers
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South Dakota
Game Three Uniforms

At Illinois State
See also: 2021 Illinois State Redbirds football team
Game Four: #16 Missouri State Bears (2–1) at Illinois State Redbirds (2–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 16 Missouri State 7 14 13741
Illinois State 13 7 0020

at Hancock Stadium • Normal, IL

  • Date: Saturday, October 2, 2021
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), Winds SW 9 mph; Cloudy
  • Game attendance: N/A
  • Referee: Matt Packowski • Umpire: Adam McClurg • Linesman: Kevin Moss • Line judge: AJ Haduch • Back judge: Cleo Miller • Field judge: Marcus Cameron • Side judge: Jen Berke
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Kurt Pegler, and Chris Highland
  • Box score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:09) MSU - Jordan Murray 22 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 03:51; MSU 0-7)
  • (07:26) ISU - Mitchell Lewis 7 yard pass from Jackson Waring, PAT Failed (Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 03:36; MSU 6-7)
  • (02:26) ISU - Bryson Deming 23 yard pass from Jackson Waring, Aidan Bresnahan kick (Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 02:48; ISU 13-7)
Second Quarter
  • (08:57) MSU - Tobias Little 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 04:12; MSU 13-14)
  • (08:43) ISU - Jabari Khepera 75 yard pass from Jackson Waring, Aidan Bresnahan kick (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 00:14; ISU 20-14)
  • (03:16) MSU - Tobias Little 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 05:22; MSU 20-21)
Third Quarter
  • (08:43) MSU - Tobias Little 5 yard run, PAT Failed (Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 02:20; MSU 20-27)
  • (07:11) MSU - Montrae Braswell 46 yard interception return, Jose Pizano kick (MSU 20-34')
Fourth Quarter
  • (05:06) MSU - Kevon Latulas 69 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 94yards, 03:00; MSU 20-41)
StatisticsMSUISU
First downs2617
Total yards513358
Rushes/yards38/19431/40
Passing yards319318
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19-27-119-30-3
Time of possession30:5028:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley19/27, 319 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RushingTobias Little14 carries, 91 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingJordan Murray5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
Illinois StatePassingJackson Waring19/30, 318 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
RushingPha'leak Brown7 carries, 27 yards
ReceivingJabari Khepera5 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD
Helmet
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Illinois State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Game Four Uniforms

At Youngstown State
See also: 2021 Youngstown State Penguins football team
Game Five: #16 Missouri State Bears (3–1) at Youngstown State Penquins (1–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 16 Missouri State 0 3 72333
Youngstown State 6 11 32141

at Stambaugh Stadium • Youngstown, OH

  • Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), Winds W 10 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 12,444
  • Referee: Art Brown • Umpire: Joel Schult • Linesman: Frank Spryszak • Line judge: Brett Carpenter • Back judge: Chris Curry • Field judge: Marcus Cameron • Side judge: Jared Flesch
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Drae Smith and Chris Sammarone
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:28) YSU - Samuel St. Surin 28 yard pass from Demeatric Crenshaw, PAT failed (Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 00:36; YSU 6-0)
Second Quarter
  • (10:56) YSU - Colt McFadden 45 yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 05:47; YSU 9-0)
  • (07:06) MSU - Jose Pizano 36 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 03:50; YSU 9-3)
  • (00:12) YSU - Jorge Portorreal 8 yard pass from Demeatric Crenshaw, 2pt conversion good (Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 03:53; YSU 17-3)
Third Quarter
  • (11:47) MSU - Ty Scott 21 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 03:08; YSU 17-10)
  • (03:16) YSU - Colt McFadden 28 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 05:51; YSU 20-10)
Fourth Quarter
  • (10:02) MSU - Jose Pizano 32 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 02:43; YSU 20-13)
  • (04:38) MSU - Ron Tiavaasue 7 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 03:58; TIED 20-20)
  • (04:17) YSU - Jaleel McLaughlin 22 yard run, Colt McFadden kick (Drive: 1 play, 22 yards, 00:06; YSU 27-20)
  • (02:08) YSU - Jaleel McLaughlin 60 yard run, Colt McFadden kick (Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 00:49; YSU 34-20)
  • (01:06) MSU - Ty Scott 27 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drives: 6 plays, 68 yards, 00:56 YSU 34-27)
  • (00:40) YSU - Demeatric Crenshaw 73 yard run, Colt McFadden kick (Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 00:24; YSU 41-27)
  • (00:00) MSU - Cairo Payne 12 yard pass from Jason Shelley, No PAT (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 00:40; YSU 41-33)
StatisticsMSUYSU
First downs3021
Total yards503476
Rushes/yards27/13150/377
Passing yards37299
Passing: Comp–Att–Int27-49-210-19-0
Time of possession26:4733:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley27/48, 372 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
RushingJason Shelley11 carries, 93 yards
ReceivingTy Scott8 catches, 121 yards, 2 TD
Youngstown StatePassingDemeatric Crenshaw10/19, 99 yards, 2 TD
RushingDemeatric Crenshaw22 carries, 202 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingSamuel St. Surin2 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD
Helmet
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Youngstown State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Game Five Uniforms

Indiana State (homecoming)
See also: 2021 Indiana State Sycamores football team
Game Six: Indiana State Sycamores (3–3) at #20 Missouri State Bears (3–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
Indiana State 0 0 077
No. 20 Missouri State 3 21 10337

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), Winds NW 14 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 14336
  • Referee: Rick Warne • Umpire: Steve Flanagan • Linesman: Matthew Banks • Line judge: Grant Henderson • Back judge: Devin Aller • Field judge: Phil Ayeni • Side judge: Harlan Bizzell
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West and Corey Riggs
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (06:16) MSU - Jose Pizano 38 yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:08; MSU 3-0)
Second Quarter
  • (02:19) MSU - Xavier Lane 45 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 03:17; MSU 10-0)
  • (01:18) MSU - Jason Shelley 3 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 00:52; MSU 17-0)
  • (00:40) MSU - Ty Scott 26 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 00:31; MSU 24-0)
Third Quarter
  • (09:18) MSU - Ty Scott 59 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 02:03; MSU 31-0)
  • (04:02) MSU - Jose Pizano 33 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 02:58; MSU 34-0)
Fourth Quarter
  • (11:31) MSU - Jose Pizano 35 yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 05:44; MSU 37-0)
  • (06:08) ISU - Dante Hendrix 19 yard pass from Anthony Thompson, Alan Selzer kick (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 05:23; MSU 37-7)
StatisticsISUMSU
First downs1521
Total yards177442
Rushes/yards24/8445/190
Passing yards177252
Passing: Comp–Att–Int18-33-113-25-1
Time of possession24:5635:04
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Indiana StatePassingAnthony Thompson18/31, 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingPeterson Kerlegrand16 carries, 73 yards
ReceivingDante Hendrix10 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley11/21, 225 yards, 3 TD
RushingTobias Little9 carries, 55 yards
ReceivingTy Scott3 catches, 106 yards, 2 TD
Helmet
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Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Indiana State
Game Six Uniforms

At #3 North Dakota State
See also: 2021 North Dakota State Bison football team
Game Seven: #17 Missouri State Bears (4–2) at #3 North Dakota State Bison (6–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 17 Missouri State 10 3 7020
No. 3 North Dakota State 0 10 31427

at Fargodome • Fargo, ND

  • Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), Winds none; Indoor
  • Game attendance: 15,559
  • Referee: Andrew Speciale • Umpire: Scott Jones • Linesman: Frank Bullock • Line judge: Mike Lowenberg • Back judge: Damon Wilcox • Field judge: Paul Winglewich • Side judge: Ken Cloud
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Dom Izzo and Kyle Emanuel
  • Box score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:56) MSU - Jose Pizano 47 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:55; MSU 0-3)
  • (09:07) MSU - Tobias Little 11 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards, 1:28; MSU 0-10)
Second Quarter
  • (12:09) NDSU - Quincy Patterson 15 yard run, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:07; NDSU 7-10)
  • (01:13) MSU - Jose Pizano 25 yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:44; MSU 7-13)
  • (00:00) NDSU - Jake Reinholz 46 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 1:09; MSU 10-13)
Third Quarter
  • (12:20) NDSU - Jake Reinholz 41 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:40; TIED 13-13)
  • (09:08) MSU - Tobias Little 5 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:06; MSU 13-20)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:40) NDSU - Phoenix Sproles 29 yard pass from Cam Miller, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 1:37; TIED 20-20)
  • (04:57) NDSU - C. Watson 24 yard pass from Cam Miller, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 7:06; NDSU 27-20)
StatisticsMSUNDSU
First downs1516
Total yards321333
Rushes/yards32/7935/144
Passing yards242189
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16-25-112-26-1
Time of possession30:5729:03
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley16/25, 242 yards, 1 INT
RushingTobias Little9 carries, 41 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTy Scott6 catches, 104 yards
North Dakota StatePassingCam Miller7/9, 112 yards, 2 TD
RushingQuincy Patterson6 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingChristian Watson4 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD
Helmet
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North Dakota State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
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Socks
Missouri State
Game Seven Uniforms

North Dakota
See also: 2021 North Dakota Fighting Hawks football team
Game Eight: North Dakota Fighting Hawks (3–4) at # 17 Missouri State Bears (4–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
North Dakota 0 7 14728
No. 17 Missouri State 7 3 71532

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), Winds NW 7 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 8,372
  • Referee: Matt Packowski • Umpire: Adam McClurg • Linesman: Todd Skaggs • Line judge: AJ Haduch • Back judge: Martin Birr • Field judge: Phil Ayeni • Side judge: Travis Evans
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West and Dan Lucy
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (08:25) MSU - Tyrone Scott 6 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 06:35; MSU 7-0)
Second Quarter
  • (02:21) UND - Adam Zavalney 21 yard pass from Quincy Vaughn, Brady Stevens kick (Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 05:22; TIED 7-7)
  • (00:36) MSU - Jose Pizano 27 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 01:45; MSU 10-7)
Third Quarter
  • (11:12) UND - Otis Weah 3 yard run, Brady Stevens kick (Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 03:41; UND 10-14)
  • (08:46) MSU - Jordan Murray 20 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 02:26; MSU 17-14)
  • (06:26) UND - Otis Weah 1 yard run, Brady Stevens kick (Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 02:20 UND 17-21)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:16) UND - Otis Weah 11 yard run, Brady Stevens kick (Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 03:50; UND 17-28)
  • (04:33) MSU - Jason Shelley 12 yard run, 2 PT Conversion good Xavier Lane pass (Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 02:03; UND 25-28)
  • (00:15) MSU - Isaac Smith 2 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 01:24; MSU 32-28)
StatisticsUNDMSU
First downs2326
Total yards441468
Rushes/yards41/25625/119
Passing yards185349
Passing: Comp–Att–Int14-23-129-42-1
Time of possession32:4827:12
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North DakotaPassingTommy Schuster13/21, 164 yards, 1 INT
RushingOtis Weah21 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingAdam Zavainey2 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley29/42, 349 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
RushingTobias Little15 carries, 112 yards
ReceivingTyrone Scott10 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD
View of the Plaster Stadium West side during the 2021 North Dakota game.
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Missouri State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
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North Dakota
Game Eight Uniforms

At #7 Southern Illinois
See also: 2021 Southern Illinois Salukis football team
Game Nine: #17 Missouri State Bears (5–3) at #7 Southern Illinois Salukis (6–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 17 Missouri State 10 0 72138
No. 7 Southern Illinois 7 6 01528

at Saluki Stadium • Carbondale, IL

  • Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C); Sunny
  • Game attendance: 7,176
  • Referee: Art Brown • Umpire: Joel Schult • Linesman: Frank Spryszak • Line judge: Brett Carpenter • Back judge: Cleo Miller • Field judge: Marcus Cameron • Side judge: Jared Flesch
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Scott Warmann and Danan Hughes
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (09:48) MSU - Jason Shelley 20 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 05:09; MSU 0-7)
  • (08:37) SIU - Nic Baker 17 yard run ,Nico Gualdoni kick (Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 00:05; TIED 7-7)
  • (00:45) MSU - Jose Pizano 51 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 05:37; MSU 7-10)
Second Quarter
  • (12:24) SIU - Nico Gualdoni 50 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 02:36; TIED 10-10)
  • (00:01) SIU - Nico Gualdoni 55 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 00:17; SIU 13-7)
Third Quarter
  • (03:14) MSU - Jason Shelley 14 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 04:37; MSU 13-17)
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:27) MSU - Tobias Little 1 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 02:12; MSU 13-24)
  • (12:03) MSU - Kevon Latulas 87 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 2 plays, 96 yards,00:47; MSU 13-31)
  • (10:26) SIU - Izaiah Hartrup 19 yard pass from Nic Baker, Nico Gualdoni kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 01:37; MSU 20-31)
  • (06:37) MSU - Ty Scott, 31 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 01:39; MSU 20-38)
  • (04:06) SIU - Tyce Daniel 11 yard pass from Nic Baker, 2 PT Conversion Good, Izaiah Hartrup rush (Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 02:24; MSU 28-38)
StatisticsMSUSIU
First downs2618
Total yards480298
Rushes/yards53/23731/36
Passing yards243262
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16-29-121-39-0
Time of possession37:0027:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley16/29, 243 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingKevon Latulas7 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingTy Scott5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
Southern IllinoisPassingNic Baker21/38, 262 yards, 3 TD
RushingDonovan Spencer11/19, 15 yards
ReceivingLandon Lenoir7 catches, 100 yards
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
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Socks
Southern Illinois
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Game Nine Uniforms

#20 Northern Iowa
See also: 2021 Northern Iowa Panthers football team
Game Ten: #20 Northern Iowa Panthers (5–4) at #16 Missouri State Bears (6–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 20 Northern Iowa 3 3 71427
No. 16 Missouri State 6 7 71434

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C), Winds W 7 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 9,173
  • Referee: Aaron Adams • Umpire: Keith Wohlers • Linesman: Gordon Hanson • Line judge: Scott Lively • Back judge: Kurt Dingmann • Field judge: Brad Brunet • Side judge: Leanne Surmin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West and Corey Riggs
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:14) MSU - Jose Pizano 30 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 02:44; MSU 3-0)
  • (04:55) UNI - Matthew Cook 27 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 05:11; TIED 3-3)
  • (01:03) MSU - Jose Pizano38 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 03:44; MSU 6-3)
Second Quarter
  • (12:54) UNI - Matthew Cook 47 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 03:09; TIED 6-6)
  • (05:21) MSU - Tobias Little 1 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 07:33; MSU 13-6)
Third Quarter
  • (12:44) MSU - Jason Shelley 3 yard run, Jose Pizano Kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:10; MSU 20-6)
  • (06:10) UNI - Tyler Hoosman 2 yard run, Matthew Cook kick (Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 06:25; MSU 20-13)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:01) MSU - Jason Shelley 8 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 03:54; MSU 27-13)
  • (05:11) UNI - Deion McShane 8 yard pass from Theo Day, Matthew Cook kick (Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 02:02; MSU 27-20)
  • (02:14) UNI - Deion McShane 18 yard pass from Theo Day, Matthew Cook, kick (Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 01:41; TIED 27-27)
  • (00:58) MSU - Naveon Mitchell 55 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 01:16; MSU 34-27)
StatisticsUNIMSU
First downs2218
Total yards360379
Rushes/yards33/12232/59
Passing yards238320
Passing: Comp–Att–Int17-30-222-30-0
Time of possession29:2830:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Northern IowaPassingTheo Day17/30, 238 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingDom Williams16 carries, 83 yards
ReceivingDeion McShane6 catches, 86 yards, 2 TD
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley22/33, 320 yards, 1 TD
RushingTobias Little10 carries, 34 yards
ReceivingNaveon Mitchell3 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
View from the West side during the game against Northern Iowa in 2021.
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Left arm Body Right arm
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Missouri State
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Left arm Body Right arm
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Northern Iowa
Game Ten Uniforms

At Dixie State
See also: 2021 Dixie State Trailblazers football team
Game Eleven: #14 Missouri State Bears (7–3) at Dixie State Trailblazers (1–9)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 14 Missouri State 3 24 141455
Dixie State 3 0 71424

at Greater Zion Stadium • St. George, UT

  • Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), Breezy; Clear, crisp
  • Game attendance: 2,794
  • Referee: Marcus Thorton • Umpire: Scott Johnson • Linesman: Jeremy Jolles • Line judge: Keith Laurant • Back judge: Joe Wise • Field judge: Tom Drzazgowski • Side judge: Patrick Herron
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Devin Dixon and Andy Thompson
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (13:01) MSU - Jose Pizano 39 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 1:59; MSU 0-3)
  • (08:18) DSU - Connor Brooksby 45 yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 4:43; TIED 3-3)
Second Quarter
  • (12:38) MSU - Tobias Little 7 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 5:03; MSU 3-10)
  • (09:58) MSU - Jose Pizano 25 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 1:20; MSU 3-13)
  • (08:18) MSU - Kevon Latulas 68 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 1 play, 68 yards, 0:14; MSU 3-20)
  • (06:50) MSU - Kevon Latulas 7 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 50 yards, 0:34; MSU 3-27)
Third Quarter
  • (06:18) MSU - Jason Shelley 12 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:57; MSU 3-34)
  • (05:57) MSU - Lemondre Joe 38 yard interception return, Jose Pizano kick (MSU 3-41)
  • (01:41) DSU - Kobe Tracy 4 yard run, Andrew Day kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:16; MSU 10-41)
Fourth Quarter
  • (06:32) DSU - Cade Veach 13 yard pass from Kobe Tracy, Andrew Day kick (Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 3:30; MSU 17-48)
  • (03:19) DSU - Devyn Perkins 95 yard interception return, Andrew Day kick (MSU 24-48)
  • (03:14) MSU - Steven Ward 57 yard kickoff return, Jose Pizano kick (MSU 24-55)
StatisticsMSUDSU
First downs2621
Total yards574382
Rushes/yards36/29736/75
Passing yards277307
Passing: Comp–Att–Int15-29-124-49-1
Time of possession28:5031:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Missouri StatePassingJason Shelley13/24, 251 yards, 1 TD
RushingKevon Latulas8 carries, 162 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTy Scott8 catches, 174 yards
Dixie StatePassingKobe Tracy24/49, 307 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingDrew Kannely-Robles22 carries, 78 yards
ReceivingKeith Davis7 catches, 146 yards
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Dixie State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Game Eleven Uniforms

FCS Playoffs

#16 UT Martin
See also: 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks football team
Game Twelve: #16 UT Martin Skyhawks (10–1) at #12 Missouri State Bears (8–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 16 UT Martin 3 16 7632
No. 12 Missouri State 7 10 14031

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), Winds W 11mph, Sunny
  • Game attendance: 5,072
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Connor Onion and Barrett Brooks
Game information
First Quarter
  • (4:15) UTM - Tyler Larco 33 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:53; UTM 0-3)
  • (2:17) MSU - Ron Tiavaasue 4 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:58; MSU 7-3)
Second Quarter
  • (14:48) UTM - Zoe Roberts 6 yard pass from Dresser Winn, PAT FAILED (Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:02; UTM 7-9)
  • (07:14) MSU - Tobias Little 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:06; MSU 14-9)
  • (01:52) UTM - Peyton Logan 14 yard run, Tyler Larco kick (Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:04; UTM 14-16)
  • (00:55) UTM - Tyler Larco 26 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 0:51; UTM 14-19)
  • (00:00) MSU - Jose Pizano 47 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, 0:28; UTM 17-19)
Third Quarter
  • (05:48) MSU - Kevon Latulas 4 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:45; MSU 24-19)
  • (03:15) UTM - Zak Wallace, 14 yard run, Tyler Larco kick (Drive: 6 plays, 88 yards, 2:27; UTM 24-26)
  • (00:18) MSU - Xavier Lane 29 yard pass from Jason Shelley, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:55; MSU 31-26)
Fourth Quarter
  • (03:36) UTM - Donnel Williams 37 yard pass from Dresser Winn, 2 Pt. Conversion FAILED (Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:08; UTM 31-32)
StatisticsUTMMSU
First downs1917
Total yards361398
Rushes/yards35/8930/119
Passing yards272279
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22-43-122-42-3
Time of possession31:4428:16
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UT MartinPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Missouri StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Missouri State
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
UT Martin
Game Ten Uniforms

Awards and honors

Regular season

Missouri Valley weekly awards

In 2021, the Bears broke the program record of 11 conference weekly awards with 14 honors. QB Jason Shelley paced the team with 5 awards across "Valley Offensive Player of the Week" (2) and "Valley Newcomer of the Week" (3). WR Xavier Lane was the other Bears player to receive multiple awards; winning 1 as the "Valley Offensive Player of the Week" and 1 as the "Valley Newcomer of the Week". OT Landon Bebee was the lone selection as "Valley Offensive Lineman of the Week" while LB Ferrin Manulelua was the only player to be selected as "Valley Defensive Player of the Week". Missouri State had had 3 players chosen as "Special Teams Players of the Week" LB Steven Ward, CB Montrae Braswell, and K Jose Pizano. RB Tobias Little was the other "Valley Offensive Player of the Week", and RB Kevon Latulas won his award as "Newcomer of the Week".

Defensive Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Ferrin ManuleleluaLBOctober 31, 2021[12]
Newcomer of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason ShelleyQBSeptember 5, 2021[13]
Xavier LaneWRSeptember 12, 2021[14]
Jason ShelleyQBSeptember 26, 2021[15]
Jason ShelleyQBOctober 31, 2021[12]
Kevon LatulasRBNovember 1, 2021[16]
Offensive Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Xavier LaneWRSeptember 12, 2021[14]
Tobias LittleRBOctober 3, 2021[17]
Jason ShelleyQBOctober 31, 2021[12]
Jason ShelleyQBNovember 14, 2021[18]
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Landon BebeeOTOctober 4, 2021[19]
Special Teams Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Montrae BraswellCBSeptember 12, 2021[14]
Steven WardLBOctober 17, 2021[20]
Jose PizanoKNovember 1, 2021[16]

Postseason

Missouri Valley Football Conference

Newcomer of the Year
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason ShelleyQBNovember 24, 2021[21]
Offensive Player of the Year
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason ShelleyQBNovember 24, 2021[21]

Rankings
Further information: 2021 NCAA Division I FCS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
RV = Received votes.
Week
PollPre123456789101112Final
STATS FCS2423171816162017171716141214
CoachesRV25191816162318202014141014
Athlon Power Poll25221616141419111817131010

Last updated: November 17, 2021.
Source:

References
  1. "Missouri State earns bearth [sic] into FCS Football Playoffs". Missourinet. April 19, 2021.
  2. "Football Bears Add 18 Players in Early Signing Period". Missouri State.
  3. Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Three-star quarterback Kaden McMullen is joining Missouri State football". Springfield News-Leader.
  4. "Kaden McMullen - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  5. "Gary Clinton - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  6. "Missouri Valley Football Announces Preseason Team / Poll". valley-football.org.
  7. "Seven Bears Earn Preseason All-MVFC Honors".
  8. Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Missouri State football coach Bobby Petrino earned an automatic extension and pay raise with playoff berth". Springfield News-Leader.
  9. Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Missouri State extends football coach Bobby Petrino after one season". Springfield News-Leader.
  10. "2021 Football Coaches". Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  11. "2021 Football Roster". Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  12. "Shelley, Manuleleua Honored as Valley Players of the Week". Missouri State.
  13. "Shelley Earns MVFC Newcomer of the Week Laurels". Missouri State.
  14. "Lane, Braswell Earn Valley Football Weekly Honors". Missouri State.
  15. "Shelley Earns MVFC Newcomer of the Week Honors for Second Time". Missouri State.
  16. "Pizano, Latulas Earn Valley Football Weekly Honors". Missouri State.
  17. "Valley Honors Go to Bears Running Back". Missouri State.
  18. "Valley Names Shelley Offensive Player of the Week". Missouri State.
  19. "Bebee Earns MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week".
  20. "Ward Earns Valley Special Teams Honors". Missouri State.
  21. "Shelley Named Valley Offensive Player of the Year". Missouri State.
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