SEC’s Top Squads Go Head-To-Head In Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – One of the most anticipated matchups on the Southeastern Conference soccer schedule will be played on Sunday as No. 13 Mississippi State travels to No. 7 Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

The Bulldogs (9-1-1, 4-0-1 SEC) handed Arkansas (6-2-3, 4-0-1 SEC) its only conference loss last season. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks were the last team to beat MSU in an SEC game back in 2023. State is unbeaten in its last 15 conference matches with 14 wins. Arkansas has 12 wins in its last 15 matches with the only loss coming in Starkville last fall.

The two teams are currently tied atop the conference standings.

For Mississippi State, the Razorbacks present a third top-10 opponent this season, which matches the program record set in 2020. That year, the Bulldogs lost all three of those matches. This year, State is 2-0-0 entering Sunday's game. Meanwhile, Arkansas has already played six ranked opponents, going 2-2-2 in those games.

State is led by Ally Perry, who has scored a goal in every conference contest. She leads the SEC in points (20), is third in assists (6) and fourth in goals (7). Her points are already tied for the No. 10 single-season total in program history.

Multiple records are in play for Perry on Sunday. A game-winning goal would see her tie the program's single-season record (5) for the second time and tie the MSU career record (11). A goal of any kind would tie the longest scoring streak in program history. A win would see head coach Nick Zimmerman break the program record for wins by a first-year head coach and mark MSU's fourth consecutive 10-win season.

Kicking Off

Dawgs Vs. Hogs: Mississippi State and Arkansas are tied atop the SEC standings. The two programs have won five of the last six SEC regular-season championships since 2019. Both teams' last SEC loss came to the other with the Razorbacks winning in 2023, and the Bulldogs winning in 2024.

Taking On The Top 10: Sunday's match will be the Bulldogs' third game against a top-10 team this season, which ties the program record set in 2020. That year, MSU went 0-3-0 in those games, but in 2025, State is 2-0-0.

Wommack A Winner: Sarah Wommack is the first Bulldog keeper to begin her MSU career undefeated through her first five SEC games. She is 4-0-1.

Scoring Streak: With a goal on Sunday, Ally Perry would tie the school record for consecutive games with a goal (6).

Fast Start: Nick Zimmerman's nine wins lead all first-year head coaches nationally. With another win, he will break the program record for wins by a first-year head coach.

About Arkansas (6-2-3, 4-0-1 SEC)

Rankings: United Soccer Coaches – 7 | TopDrawerSoccer – 13
Head Coach: Colby Hale | Record at ARK: 180-82-32 (14th Year) | Career Record: 180-82-32 (14th Year)

Series History

Notables

Arkansas has already played six matches against ranked opponents this season, going 2-2-2 in those contests. The ranked victories came at then-No. 11 BYU and against then-No. 17 Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks have played or will play five of the top 15 teams in this week's poll. Since 2020, Arkansas has lost just six SEC matches, and its last home conference loss came on Oct. 16, 2020. However, the Razorback defense has been much more vulnerable this year, allowing 16 goals which is the most of any SEC team. That's dented their plus-6 goal differential which is 11th in the SEC.

Next Up

MSU remains on the road next week, playing at Florida on Friday, Oct. 10. The Bulldogs and Gators will kick off in Gainesville at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

Follow the Bulldogs

For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."

Mississippi State University Athletics

SEC’s Top Squads Go Head-To-Head In Fayetteville

Players Mentioned

Ally Perry

Sarah Wommack

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