Starkville, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs secured a commanding 38-10 win against Northern Illinois, improving their season record to 4-0. The game showcased strong performances from quarterback Blake Shapen and a powerful run game that racked up 292 rushing yards, along with a solid defensive effort limiting the Huskies to just 267 total yards. With this victory, the Bulldogs are poised to face the Tennessee Volunteers next, aiming to continue their undefeated streak.
Starkville, Mississippi — The Mississippi State Bulldogs achieved a commanding victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday, winning the game 38-10. With this triumph, the Bulldogs improved their season record to 4-0 for the first time since 2014. This successful start highlights the team’s emerging strength as they move forward in the season.
The first half of the matchup was marked by a competitive spirit, with Mississippi State leading by a narrow margin at halftime, 14-10. Northern Illinois struck first with an early field goal, setting the tone. However, the Bulldogs did not take long to respond. Quarterback Blake Shapen led a 13-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Brenen Thompson. The Huskies momentarily regained the lead in the second quarter with a swift two-play scoring drive ahead of another Bulldogs response, which capped off with an eight-play, 48-yard drive ending in a one-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to Seydou Traore.
In the second half, Mississippi State took control of the game, outscoring Northern Illinois 24-0. The Bulldogs’ strategy paid off, as they managed to score on all four of their possessions. Shapen wrapped up the game with 12 completions on 20 attempts for a total of 160 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his ability to lead the team effectively.
Key to Mississippi State’s victory was their run game, which amassed an impressive 292 rushing yards, contributing four rushing touchdowns to the final scoreline. The Bulldogs’ defense was also formidable, limiting Northern Illinois to just 267 total yards throughout the game. They recorded one sack, six tackles for loss, and one interception, establishing their dominance on both sides of the field.
With the non-conference segment of their schedule now complete, Mississippi State will shift its focus to competing against SEC opponents for the remainder of the season. The Bulldogs are set to face the Tennessee Volunteers on September 27th at 3:15 P.M., marking a crucial point as they aim to maintain their undefeated start.
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: Mississippi State 38, Northern Illinois 10
- Mississippi State Record: 4-0
- First Half Score: Mississippi State 14, Northern Illinois 10
- Second Half Scoring: Mississippi State 24, Northern Illinois 0
- Total Rushing Yards: Mississippi State 292, Northern Illinois 267
- Quarterback Blake Shapen: 12 completions on 20 attempts, 160 yards, 1 touchdown
- Defensive Stats: 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception
Schedule Ahead
Mississippi State’s next game will take place against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 27th at 3:15 P.M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Mississippi State and Northern Illinois?
The final score was Mississippi State 38, Northern Illinois 10.
What is Mississippi State’s record after this game?
Mississippi State improved to a record of 4-0 for the first time since 2014.
What was the score at halftime?
The score at halftime was Mississippi State 14, Northern Illinois 10.
How many rushing yards did Mississippi State accumulate?
Mississippi State accumulated a total of 292 rushing yards.
Who will Mississippi State play next?
Mississippi State’s next game is against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 27th at 3:15 P.M.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Mississippi State 38, Northern Illinois 10 |
| Record | 4-0 |
| First Half Score | Mississippi State 14, Northern Illinois 10 |
| Total Rushing Yards | 292 |
| Next Game | September 27th vs Tennessee Volunteers |
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs. Alcorn State Live Updates
- College Football News: Mississippi State vs. Northern Illinois Prediction
- AZ Central: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Score Updates
- Hail State: Mississippi State Spring Football Game
- StyleBlueprint: Mississippi State Football SEC Overview
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Football
- Google News: Mississippi State Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
