2021 Missouri State Bears football team

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)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorRyan Beard (2nd season)
Base defense3–4
Captains
Home stadiumRobert W. Plaster Stadium
2021 Missouri Valley Football Conference standings
Conf. Overall
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

The 2021 Missouri State Bears football team represented Missouri State University as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) during the 2021 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by second-year head coach Bobby Petrino, the Bears compiled an overall record of 8–4 with a mark of 6–2 in conference playing, placing second in the MVFC. For the second consecutive season, Missouri State advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs, where the Bears lost in the first round to UT Martin. The team played home games at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Missouri.

The 2021 team set and matched numerous school records. Quarterback 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. Wide receiver 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.

Schedule

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
  • Robert W. 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 StateNo. 20
  • Robert W. 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
  • Robert W. 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
  • Robert W. 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
  • *Non-conference game
  • Homecoming
  • Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

[1][2]

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

Preseason

MVFC media poll

The Media picked the Bears to finish in sixth place.[3]

Game summaries

At Oklahoma State

See also: 2021 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team
Game One: No. 24 Missouri State Bears (0–0) at Oklahoma State Cowboys (0–0)
Quarter 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)
Statistics MSU OSU
First downs 23 16
Total yards 336 369
Rushes/yards 37/102 28/54
Passing yards 234 315
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 24-46-0 22-40-1
Time of possession 35:30 24:30
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 23/44, 235 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Kevon Latulas 6 carries, 45 yards
Receiving Xavier Lane 8 receptions, 78 yards
Oklahoma State Passing Shane Illingworth 22/40, 315 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing L.D. Brown 15 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Tay Martin 6 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
Oklahoma State
Missouri State
Game One Uniforms

No. 19 Central Arkansas

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

at Robert W. 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)
Statistics UCA MSU
First downs 22 24
Total yards 453 378
Rushes/yards 29/ 121 34/ 147
Passing yards 332 231
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 25-38-2 18-36-0
Time of possession 27:43 32:17
Team Category Player Statistics
Central Arkansas Passing Breylin Smith 25/38, 332 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Trysten Smith 8 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Lujuan Winningham 10 catches, 144 yards
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 18/36, 231 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Kevon Latulas 10 carries, 98 yards
Receiving Xavier Lane 9 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State
Central Arkansas
Game Two Uniforms

South Dakota

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

at Robert W. 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 Theis 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)
Statistics USD MSU
First downs 14 22
Total yards 361 439
Rushes/yards 33/ 130 46/ 158
Passing yards 231 281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 12-29-2 19-29-0
Time of possession 24:11 35:49
Team Category Player Statistics
South Dakota Passing Carson Camp 12/29, 231 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Nate Thomas 4 carries, 60 yards
Receiving Carter Bell 3 catches, 102 yards
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 19/29, 281 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Tobias Little 14 carries, 71 yards
Receiving Ty Scott 7 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State
South Dakota
Game Three Uniforms

At Illinois State

See also: 2021 Illinois State Redbirds football team
Game Four: No. 16 Missouri State Bears (2–1) at Illinois State Redbirds (2–2)
Quarter 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)
Statistics MSU ISU
First downs 26 17
Total yards 513 358
Rushes/yards 38/194 31/40
Passing yards 319 318
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 19-27-1 19-30-3
Time of possession 30:50 28:26
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 19/27, 319 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Tobias Little 14 carries, 91 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Jordan Murray 5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
Illinois State Passing Jackson Waring 19/30, 318 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Pha'leak Brown 7 carries, 27 yards
Receiving Jabari Khepera 5 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD
Illinois State
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 Penguins (1–3)
Quarter 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)
Statistics MSU YSU
First downs 30 21
Total yards 503 476
Rushes/yards 27/131 50/377
Passing yards 372 99
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 27-49-2 10-19-0
Time of possession 26:47 33:13
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 27/48, 372 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Jason Shelley 11 carries, 93 yards
Receiving Ty Scott 8 catches, 121 yards, 2 TD
Youngstown State Passing Demeatric Crenshaw 10/19, 99 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Demeatric Crenshaw 22 carries, 202 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Samuel St. Surin 2 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD
Youngstown State
Missouri State
Game Five Uniforms

Indiana State

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

at Robert W. 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)
Statistics ISU MSU
First downs 15 21
Total yards 177 442
Rushes/yards 24/84 45/190
Passing yards 177 252
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18-33-1 13-25-1
Time of possession 24:56 35:04
Team Category Player Statistics
Indiana State Passing Anthony Thompson 18/31, 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Peterson Kerlegrand 16 carries, 73 yards
Receiving Dante Hendrix 10 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 11/21, 225 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Tobias Little 9 carries, 55 yards
Receiving Ty Scott 3 catches, 106 yards, 2 TD
Missouri State
Indiana State
Game Six Uniforms

At No. 3 North Dakota State

See also: 2021 North Dakota State Bison football team
Game Seven: No. 17 Missouri State Bears (4–2) at No. 3 North Dakota State Bison (6–0)
Quarter 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 - Christian Watson 24 yard pass from Cam Miller, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 7:06; NDSU 27-20)
Statistics MSU NDSU
First downs 15 16
Total yards 321 333
Rushes/yards 32/79 35/144
Passing yards 242 189
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 16-25-1 12-26-1
Time of possession 30:57 29:03
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 16/25, 242 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Tobias Little 9 carries, 41 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Ty Scott 6 catches, 104 yards
North Dakota State Passing Cam Miller 7/9, 112 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Quincy Patterson 6 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Christian Watson 4 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD
North Dakota State
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 No. 17 Missouri State Bears (4–3)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
North Dakota 0 7 14728
No. 17 Missouri State 7 3 71532

at Robert W. 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)
Statistics UND MSU
First downs 23 26
Total yards 441 468
Rushes/yards 41/256 25/119
Passing yards 185 349
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 14-23-1 29-42-1
Time of possession 32:48 27:12
Team Category Player Statistics
North Dakota Passing Tommy Schuster 13/21, 164 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Otis Weah 21 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Adam Zavainey 2 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 29/42, 349 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Tobias Little 15 carries, 112 yards
Receiving Tyrone Scott 10 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State
North Dakota
Game Eight Uniforms

At No. 7 Southern Illinois

See also: 2021 Southern Illinois Salukis football team
Game Nine: No. 17 Missouri State Bears (5–3) at No. 7 Southern Illinois Salukis (6–2)
Quarter 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)
Statistics MSU SIU
First downs 26 18
Total yards 480 298
Rushes/yards 53/237 31/36
Passing yards 243 262
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 16-29-1 21-39-0
Time of possession 37:00 27:14
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 16/29, 243 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Kevon Latulas 7 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Ty Scott 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
Southern Illinois Passing Nic Baker 21/38, 262 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Donovan Spencer 11/19, 15 yards
Receiving Landon Lenoir 7 catches, 100 yards
Southern Illinois
Missouri State
Game Nine Uniforms

No. 20 Northern Iowa

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

at Robert W. 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)
Statistics UNI MSU
First downs 22 18
Total yards 360 379
Rushes/yards 33/122 32/59
Passing yards 238 320
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 17-30-2 22-30-0
Time of possession 29:28 30:32
Team Category Player Statistics
Northern Iowa Passing Theo Day 17/30, 238 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Dom Williams 16 carries, 83 yards
Receiving Deion McShane 6 catches, 86 yards, 2 TD
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 22/33, 320 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Tobias Little 10 carries, 34 yards
Receiving Naveon Mitchell 3 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State
Northern Iowa
Game Ten Uniforms

At Dixie State

See also: 2021 Dixie State Trailblazers football team
Game Eleven: No. 14 Missouri State Bears (7–3) at Dixie State Trailblazers (1–9)
Quarter 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)
Statistics MSU DSU
First downs 26 21
Total yards 574 382
Rushes/yards 36/297 36/75
Passing yards 277 307
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 15-29-1 24-49-1
Time of possession 28:50 31:10
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 13/24, 251 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Kevon Latulas 8 carries, 162 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Ty Scott 8 catches, 174 yards
Dixie State Passing Kobe Tracy 24/49, 307 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Drew Kannely-Robles 22 carries, 78 yards
Receiving Keith Davis 7 catches, 146 yards
Dixie State
Missouri State
Game Eleven Uniforms

No. 16 UT Martin—NCAA Division I First Round

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

at Robert W. 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
  • Referee: Todd Boyd
  • 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)
Statistics UTM MSU
First downs 19 17
Total yards 361 398
Rushes/yards 35/89 30/119
Passing yards 272 279
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 22-43-1 22-42-3
Time of possession 31:44 28:16
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Martin Passing Dresser Winn 23/43, 272 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Peyton Logan 12 carries, 68 yards, TD
Receiving Donnel Williams 7 receptions, 178 yards, TD
Missouri State Passing Jason Shelley 22/42, 279 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Jason Shelley 13 carries, 93 yards
Receiving Xavier Lane 7 receptions, 110 yards, TD
Missouri State
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 Manulelelua LB October 31, 2021 [4]
Newcomer of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason Shelley QB September 5, 2021 [5]
Xavier Lane WR September 12, 2021 [6]
Jason Shelley QB September 26, 2021 [7]
Jason Shelley QB October 31, 2021 [4]
Kevon Latulas RB November 1, 2021 [8]
Offensive Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Xavier Lane WR September 12, 2021 [6]
Tobias Little RB October 3, 2021 [9]
Jason Shelley QB October 31, 2021 [4]
Jason Shelley QB November 14, 2021 [10]
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Landon Bebee OT October 4, 2021 [11]
Special Teams Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Montrae Braswell CB September 12, 2021 [6]
Steven Ward LB October 17, 2021 [12]
Jose Pizano K November 1, 2021 [8]

Postseason

Missouri Valley Football Conference

Newcomer of the Year
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason Shelley QB November 24, 2021 [13]
Offensive Player of the Year
Player Position Date Ref.
Jason Shelley QB November 24, 2021 [13]

Personnel

Coaching staff

Bobby Petrino's coaching staff remained the same from 2020. Ryan Beard remained with the Bears as the defensive coordinator and Nick Petrino stayed on as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Petrino received a pay raise following the successful 2020 season.[14] Other members of the coaching staff such as Beard, Nick Petrino, defensive line coach L. D. Scott, and running backs coach Ronnie Fouch.[15]

Name Position Alma mater Joined staff
Bobby Petrino Head coach Carroll College (1983) 2020
Ryan Beard Defensive coordinator/ Safeties Western Kentucky (2012) 2020
Nick Petrino Offense coordinator / quarterbacks coach Western Kentucky (2014) 2020
Austin Appleby Wide receivers coach Purdue (2015) 2020
Skyler Cassity Inside linebackers coach Auburn (2016) 2020
Nelson Fishback Tight ends coach/ co-special teams coordinator Western Kentucky (2015) 2020
Ronnie Fouch Running backs coach/ recruiting coordinator/ co-special teams coordinator Indiana State (2004) 2020
Max Halpin Offensive line coach Western Kentucky (2016) 2020
Reggie Johnson Inside Linebackers Louisville (1996) 2020
L.D. Scott Defensive line coach/ run game coordinator Louisville (2009) 2020
Tramain Thomas Defensive backs coach Arkansas (2013) 2020
Lynn Mentzer Director of football operations Coastal Carolina (2005) 2018

[16]

Roster

2021 Missouri State Bears Football Roster

Quarterback

  •  3 Jason Shelley – junior (5'11, 197)
  •  8 Jaden Johnson – Sophomore (6'2, 216)
  • 10 Jake Van Dyne – 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 – freshman (5'9, 178)
  • 80 Isaiah Allred – senior (6'3, 214)
  • 81 Jakael Jackson – 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 – 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 – freshman (6'6, 288)
  • 67 Remy Bilodeau – junior (6'3, 295)
  • 72 Mark Hutchinson – freshman (6'2, 302)
  • 73 Landon Bebee – junior (6'3, 297)
  • 74 Mike Fangman – 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 – 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 – freshman (6'3, 225)
  • 48 Tyler Lovelace – senior (6'2, 213)
  • 52 Bryan Ulrich – freshman (6'0, 211)
  • 54 Von Young – sophomore (6'0, 226)
  • 58 Logan Decker – 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 – freshman (6'2, 193)
  • 22 Lemondre Joe – freshman (6'0, 172)
  • 41 Cole Bowen – 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 – 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)

[17]

Recruiting

The Bears signed 11 freshman for the 2021 class.[18] They added four players from the state including late addition Kaden McMullen[19] who was the best QB in Missouri and number 5 in the 2021 class according to ESPN.[20] Other highlights include TE Gary Clinton who was 29 overall and the 3rd best TE in Missouri,[21] 3 star QB Hess Horne from Alabama, 3 star OL Brett Harris from Kansas City, and 2 star DL Sterling Smithson from Kansas.

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School 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 
Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (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 
Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (71)
Hess Horne
QB 		Eufaula, AL Eufaula High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Jan 12, 2021 
Recruit ratings: 247Sports:    
Brett Harris
OL 		Kansas City, MO Rockhurst High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 285 lb (129 kg) Dec 5, 2020 
Recruit ratings: 247Sports:    
Sterling Smithson
DL 		Stilwell, KS Blue Valley High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 305 lb (138 kg) Feb 4, 2021 
Recruit ratings: 247Sports:    
Naveli Dixson
OL 		Lakeland, FL Lakeland High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 310 lb (140 kg) Dec 17, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Udoka Ezeani
LB 		Richmond, TX Foster High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 207 lb (94 kg) Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Jordan Hoskins
LB 		Detroit, MI West Bloomfield High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Mark Hutchinson
OL 		Hayward, CA Pittsburg High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 280 lb (130 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Tywuan Lee
RB 		Hillirard, FL Hilliard High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Todric McGee
DB 		Wichita, KS Wichita Northwest High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Davin Simms
WR 		Wichita, KS Andover Central High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Siale Suliafu
DL 		Riverside, CA St. Bernard High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 279 lb (127 kg) Dec 16, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Steven Ward
LB 		Nixa, MO Nixa High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Dec 12, 2021 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Overall recruit ranking:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, 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. 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.

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Prev. school
Andrew Cunningham TBA RB 6'1 215 Sophomore Tampa, Florida Iowa Central CC
Kendrick Davis TBA OL 6'4 300 Senior West Bend, Wisconsin Fort Hays State
Sean Fitzgerald TBA OL 6'2 290 Senior Mount Pleasant, Michigan Coastal Carolina
Nick Gallo TBA OG 6'3 285 Sophomore Lewisville, Texas Independence CC
Ryan Suliafu TBA OL 6'0 279 Sophomore Riverside, California Riverside CC
Jason Shelley TBA QB 5'11 190 Junior Frisco, Texas Utah State
Ty Scott TBA WR 6'3 194 Sophomore Estill, South Carolina Central Michigan
Dimitri Moore TBA LB 6'3 234 Senior Cedar Hill, Texas Vanderbilt
Terique Owens TBA WR 6'3 180 RS Sophomore Pleasanton, California Florida Atlantic
Xavier Lane TBA WR 6'4 205 RS Senior Montgomery, Alabama Western Kentucky
Naveon Mitchell TBA RB 5'10 175 RS Freshman Richmond, Texas New Mexico State
Donovan Clark TBA DB 6'2 194 Freshman Tacoma, Washington Boise State
Javian Smith TBA CB 6'3 193 Junior Richmond, Texas Houston
Jahod Booker TBA WR 5'11 182 RS Junior Montgomery, Alabama Alabama State
Clayton Ingram TBA OL 6'0 270 RS Freshman Concord, California Northern Arizona
Trae Thompson TBA LB 6'1 235 Sophomore Tulsa, Oklahoma Northeastern Oklahoma CC
Jaylen Stewart TBA DB 6'3 190 Somphomore Texarkana, Texas El Camino College
Jeremiah Carter TBA OL 6'6 313 Sophomore Bear, Delaware Lackawanna College

[22]

References

  1. ^ "Missouri State Bears Schedule 2021". ESPN. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
  2. ^ "2021 Football Schedule Schedule". Missouri State University Athletics. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
  3. ^ "Missouri Valley Football Announces Preseason Team / Poll". valley-football.org.
  4. ^ a b c "Shelley, Manuleleua Honored as Valley Players of the Week". Missouri State.
  5. ^ "Shelley Earns MVFC Newcomer of the Week Laurels". Missouri State.
  6. ^ a b c "Lane, Braswell Earn Valley Football Weekly Honors". Missouri State.
  7. ^ "Shelley Earns MVFC Newcomer of the Week Honors for Second Time". Missouri State.
  8. ^ a b "Pizano, Latulas Earn Valley Football Weekly Honors". Missouri State.
  9. ^ "Valley Honors Go to Bears Running Back". Missouri State.
  10. ^ "Valley Names Shelley Offensive Player of the Week". Missouri State.
  11. ^ "Bebee Earns MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week".
  12. ^ "Ward Earns Valley Special Teams Honors". Missouri State.
  13. ^ a b "Shelley Named Valley Offensive Player of the Year". Missouri State.
  14. ^ Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Missouri State football coach Bobby Petrino earned an automatic extension and pay raise with playoff berth". Springfield News-Leader.
  15. ^ Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Missouri State extends football coach Bobby Petrino after one season". Springfield News-Leader.
  16. ^ "2021 Football Coaches". Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  17. ^ "2021 Football Roster". Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  18. ^ "Football Bears Add 18 Players in Early Signing Period". Missouri State.
  19. ^ Wheeler, Wyatt D. "Three-star quarterback Kaden McMullen is joining Missouri State football". Springfield News-Leader.
  20. ^ "Kaden McMullen - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  21. ^ "Gary Clinton - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  22. ^ Wheeler, Wyatt D. (July 28, 2021). "Here are the new Missouri State football transfers to know for the 2021 fall season". Springfield News-Leader. Springfield, Missouri. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
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