Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois Prediction: Can the Bulldogs Stay Hot Before the SEC Opener?

Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois How To Watch

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS
@PeteFiutak

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

It's a rested team.

That might not seem like too much of a plus, but the Huskies weren't awful in their loss to Maryland, the two weeks off to get ready should help, and yeah, of course Mississippi State has one eye ahead on the massive showdown against Tennessee next week.

The Huskies have been solid so far in the secondary. Maryland struggled to get the midrange throws working, and the defense hasn't been too awful at coming up with timely stops.

For the most part, the ball control style is overcoming the experience gap, but ...

Why Mississippi State Will Win

Northern Illinois has no downfield passing game whatsoever

It'll try taking the top off the Bulldog defense early on, but it won't work. The Huskies throw a slew of really, really short throws to try keeping the clock going, but the running game isn't doing its part.

It's not that NIU doesn't run; it's that the ground game isn't getting the push it needs. Mississippi State is allowing fewer than four yards per carry.

Mississippi State Will Stay Red Hot Throwing The Ball

There won't be a ton of big chances taken by Blake Shapen and the Mississippi State offense, because there won't be any need to do anything crazy.

Northern Illinois doesn't have enough of a pass rush, Shapen is hitting close to 70% of his throws, and the efficient MSU attack will methodically move with pace - if that makes any sense whatsoever - on quick early scoring drives.

Only ten penalties will slow down the Bulldogs.

- CFN Week 4 Expert Picks

Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Mississippi State 35, Northern Illinois 13
Line: Mississippi State -21, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 2

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

- CFP Predictions