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Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois: final odds, injury report, and predictions

Odds, injuries, and score prediction for the Mississippi State Bulldogs vs the Northern Illinois Huskies.
ByAndrew Miller|
Sep 13, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) and running back Fluff Bothwell (24) celebrate after a touchdown against the Alcorn State Braves during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) and running back Fluff Bothwell (24) celebrate after a touchdown against the Alcorn State Braves during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Mississippi State football (3-0) is off to its best start to a season since 2018, and they now welcome the Northern Illinois Huskies (1-1) to Starkville to close out their non-conference slate. Can the Bulldogs stay undefeated? Here are some final notes for the matchup and the prediction...

Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois odds, point spread and total

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of September 19. Odds are subject to change.

Point Spread

  • Mississippi State -22.5 (-115)
  • Northern Illinois +22.5 (-105)

Moneyline

  • Mississippi St -3000
  • Northern Illinois +1200

Total

  • 48.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois injury report

There are three Mississippi State Bulldogs to keep an eye on entering Saturday's matchup with Northern Illinois. Starting right tackle Albert Reese IV and reserve safety/special-teamer Stonka Burnside both missed the Bulldogs' last game against Alcorn State with injuries. Mississippi State HC Jeff Lebby said earlier in the week that he felt good about both but they'd both need further evaluation. The Bulldogs are also looking to see if cornerback Jett Jefferson will make his debut, as the JUCO transfer, who flashed in preseason camp, has been out since the beginning of the year. It is unknown at the time if Northern Illinois has any significant injuries to their lineup.

Mississippi State vs Northern Illinois score prediction

Northern Illinois deserves plenty of respect. After all, this is a program that went into South Bend and knocked-off the eventual national runner-up in Notre Dame just last season. And even beyond their win over the Irish, the Huskies have found themselves in several tight games with power conference teams in recent years, having a shot in the fourth quarter against Maryland two weeks ago.

All that being said, Mississippi State should have a notable matchup edge. NIU's secondary is solid but still can allow some opportunities through the air, and the Bulldogs have the QB and WRs to exploit that. On the other side of the ball, the Huskies don't have much beyond their tailbacks. A greatly improved MSU defense should be able to key in on that enough to not allow NIU to sustain drives and kill the clock, their best hope for keeping things close. State gets a comfortable win to stay undefeated entering SEC play.

Mississippi State wins 33-10

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