DALLAS (FWAA) – Florida Citrus Sports and Cheez-It have teamed up to present the Cheez-It Crunch Time Play of the Week during the 2025 college football season, with each week's play selected in conjunction with the Football Writers Association of America.
The Cheez-It Crunch Time Play of the Week features the unforgettable, game-changing moments that got people talking. From clutch touchdowns to key goal-line stands, these are the plays that had fans on the edge of their seats during crunch time on Saturday — and maybe reaching for another handful of crackers with the game on the line. Throughout the season, the FWAA will announce the winning play at the conclusion of each week's games, after the FWAA All-America committee selects one outstanding play each weekend during the regular season.
To celebrate the honor, each winning team will receive a care package of Cheez-It crackers.
Mississippi State is the winner of the Cheez-It Crunch Time Play of the Week for Week 2 for Brenen Thompson's 58-yard touchdown reception with 30 seconds left as the Bulldogs beat No. 12 Arizona, 27-21, in Starkville. The win marked the first over a top 15 nonconference opponent since 1991 for Jeff Lebby's club.
The Bulldogs ran out to a 17-0 lead before surrendering 20 consective points and the lead in the fourth quarter when Arizona State drove 95 yards to take the lead with 1:38 left. The fifth play of Mississippi State's ensuing possession is one that will be remembered for a long time in Stark Vegas as Blake Shapen hit Thompson in stride at the Arizona State 25 and Thompson did the rest of the work.
ABOUT KELLANOVA
Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, Special K®, Coco Pops®, and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our net sales for 2024 were $13 billion. For more detailed information about our commitments, our approach to achieving these goals, and methodology, please visit our website at kellanova.com.
ABOUT FLORIDA CITRUS SPORTS
FCS is a not-for-profit event management organization dedicated to positively impacting the Orlando region while enhancing the quality of life in Central Florida through world-class events, including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Florida Blue Florida Classic, the Camping World Kickoff and the FC Series. For more information, visit FloridaCitrusSports.com.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,100 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.