As we enter Week 4 of the 2025 regular season, the Northern Illinois Huskies travel to Davis Wade Stadium to challenge the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Huskies, representing the Mid-American Conference, come into the game with a 1-1 record. Their recent games show a narrow 19-17 win against Holy Cross and a 20-9 loss to Maryland. The home team, Mississippi State Bulldogs, have been impressive so far with an undefeated 3-0 record. They have demonstrated their strength at home with victories against Alcorn State (63-0) and Arizona State (24-20). The Bulldogs are also part of the Southeastern Conference, adding to the competitive nature of this matchup. In terms of odds, Mississippi State is a heavy favorite with a moneyline of -1935, while Northern Illinois stands at +1014. The point spread sits at 21.5 points in favor of the Bulldogs. Fans tuning in on SECN can expect a kickoff at 4:15 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois At a Glance
- Game Location: Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS
- Game Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 4:15 PM
- TV Broadcast: SECN
- Mississippi State Record: 3-0 this season
- Northern Illinois Record: 1-1 this season
- Betting Odds: Mississippi State favored with a moneyline of -1935
Mississippi State Bulldogs: A Deep Dive into Their Season Performance
Offensive Strength
The Mississippi State Bulldogs have demonstrated a strong offensive start to the 2025 season, ranking 19th in points scored with 121. Their passing game is a critical component, with 788 yards placing them 40th in the nation.
Their rushing attack has also been effective, amassing 543 yards and securing the 47th rank. This balanced offensive strategy is evident in their ability to consistently move the chains, as indicated by their 24th rank in first downs.
Defensive Fortitude
Defensively, the Bulldogs have shown significant improvement, allowing only 37 points so far, earning them the 23rd rank. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is notable, with four sacks contributing to their 11th place in the national rankings.
Interceptions have also been a highlight for Mississippi State, recording four picks and tying for 5th place. Their defense has also been adept at recovering fumbles, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Recent Game Performance
Mississippi State’s most recent game was a dominant 63-0 victory over Alcorn State, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Their balanced attack was evident as they tallied 232 passing yards and 282 rushing yards.
In their Week 2 encounter against Arizona State, the Bulldogs secured a 24-20 win, demonstrating their ability to win close games. A key factor was their passing efficiency, with 279 yards through the air.
Quarterback Contributions
Blake Shapen has been pivotal in Mississippi State’s offensive success, leading the team with 722 passing yards over three games. His six passing touchdowns have been instrumental in their scoring, placing him 29th in the national rankings.
Despite throwing two interceptions, Shapen remains a consistent threat, ranking first on the team in passing categories. His leadership and ability to make plays are crucial for the Bulldogs moving forward.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: 18-4 (81.8%) in the last 22 games (2022–2025)
- SU – As Favorite: 19-5 (79.2%) in the last 24 games (2020–2025)
- ATS – Away Games: 5-0 (100.0%) in the last 5 games (2024–2025)
- O/U – After Loss: 18-5 (78.3%) in the last 23 games (2021–2025)
- ATS – All Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games (2024–2025)
Northern Illinois Huskies Ready for a Tough Battle on the Road
Offensive Challenges
The Northern Illinois Huskies are averaging 28 points this season, positioning them at 85th in the nation. Their passing game has struggled, ranking 154th with only 200 passing yards per game. However, their rushing attack has been more effective, securing the 97th spot with 360 yards.
In their recent game against Maryland, the Huskies were held to just 9 points. They managed only 91 passing yards, highlighting the ongoing issues in their aerial attack.
Defensive Struggles
Defensively, the Huskies have allowed 37 points per game, placing them 23rd in this category. Despite their struggles, they have been effective in creating turnovers, ranking 2nd in interceptions with one pick and 5th in fumbles recovered.
Their defense will need to tighten up as they prepare to face Mississippi State. They must improve their pass rush, as they have only managed two sacks this season, ranked 13th.
Key Players to Watch
Josh Holst, the Huskies’ quarterback, has thrown for 192 yards over two games but has yet to record a touchdown pass. Running backs Chavon Wright and Telly Johnson Jr. have been bright spots, with Wright rushing for 167 yards and Johnson for 153 yards.
DeAree Rogers leads the receiving corps with 89 yards on 10 receptions. The Huskies will look to get him more involved to balance their offensive attack.
Betting Trends
- ATS – As Underdog: 11-3 (78.6%) over the last 14 games
- ATS – Away Games: 16-9 (64.0%) over the last 25 games
- SU – After Loss: 4-1 (80.0%) over the last 5 games
Despite being 21.5-point underdogs, the Huskies have shown resilience in covering the spread as underdogs. Their ability to bounce back after a loss will be tested once again against a formidable opponent.
Mississippi State Bulldogs have demonstrated a strong performance early in the 2025 season, securing a perfect 3-0 record. Their recent win, a 63-0 shutout against Alcorn State, showcases their potent offense and solid defense. This bodes well against Northern Illinois, who are 1-1 and have struggled on the road.
The Bulldogs’ offensive stats stand out with 121 points scored, ranking them 19th in the nation. Their balanced attack, featuring 788 passing yards and 543 rushing yards, will likely exploit Northern Illinois’ defense, which has allowed 37 points per game. This offensive efficiency is a key reason to back Mississippi State to cover the spread.
Mississippi State’s home field advantage at Davis Wade Stadium further strengthens their position. The Bulldogs are 2-0 at home this season, and their dominance extends to their betting trends, with a 4-0 ATS record in their last four games. Against a Northern Illinois team that struggles on the road, Mississippi State is well-positioned to cover the -21.5 spread.
Given the statistical discrepancies and the current form of both teams, Mississippi State is expected to secure a decisive victory. A projected scoreline of 45-10 in favor of Mississippi State supports the Bulldogs covering the spread comfortably.
- Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois Prediction: Mississippi State -21.5
- Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois Score: Mississippi State 45 – Northern Illinois 10
