Starkville, Mississippi, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs achieved a 4-0 record for the first time since 2014 by defeating Northern Illinois 38-10. After trailing initially, the Bulldogs dominated the second half, outscoring the Huskies 24-0. Key contributions came from running back Davon Booth, who scored two touchdowns, solidifying MSU’s powerful offense. With strong defensive plays, including an interception by Isaac Smith, MSU showcased resiliency and efficiency. They now prepare to face No. 15 Tennessee in their SEC opener, looking to maintain momentum.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State (MSU) achieved a 4-0 record for the first time since 2014 after defeating Northern Illinois (NIU) 38-10 on September 20, 2025. The Bulldogs solidified their victory with a commanding second-half performance, outscoring the Huskies 24-0 at Davis Wade Stadium.
The game opened with NIU taking an early 3-0 lead with a field goal in the first quarter. MSU responded swiftly by taking the lead with a touchdown from Brenen Thompson on a jet sweep, bringing the score to 7-3. However, NIU regained the lead at 10-7 early in the second quarter but failed on an attempted onside kick, which proved crucial.
Capitalizing on the favorable field position, MSU extended their lead before halftime with a touchdown connection from quarterback Blake Shapen to tight end Seydou Traore, putting the Bulldogs ahead 14-10. The Bulldogs’ momentum continued to build in the second half, highlighted by running back Davon Booth, who scored two touchdowns, one in the third quarter and another in the fourth quarter.
MSU showcased a powerful offensive performance, totaling 292 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns during the contest. In addition to Booth’s contributions, running back Xavier Gayten also added a rushing touchdown, cementing the final score at 38-10. Blake Shapen finished the game throwing for 160 yards with one passing touchdown while also rushing for 51 yards.
Defensively, safety Isaac Smith played a pivotal role by intercepting a pass in the end zone during the third quarter, which significantly shifted the momentum back to MSU. Kyle Ferrie added a successful 48-yard field goal, increasing the score to 24-10 in favor of the Bulldogs. Safety Jahron Manning led the team with seven tackles during the match.
This victory marks a significant improvement for MSU, doubling last year’s win total of 2-10 under head coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs’ previous best start was a 4-0 record in 2014 during the Dak Prescott era. This season, MSU has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, allowing only 47 points over four games, their fewest since 1999. Furthermore, they have heavily outscored their opponents in the first quarter, totaling 55-6 this season.
Despite their success, Mississippi State remains unranked, currently positioned at No. 29 with 57 voting points in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to host No. 15 Tennessee on September 27, 2025, marking their SEC opener, with kickoff scheduled for 3:15 p.m. CT on SEC Network. Coach Jeff Lebby has emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to improve as they face a challenging stretch of ranked opponents in the upcoming SEC schedule.
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: Mississippi State 38, Northern Illinois 10
- MSU Rushing Yards: 292
- MSU Passing Yards: 160
- Touchdowns: Davon Booth (2), Xavier Gayten (1), Seydou Traore (1)
- Field Goals: Kyle Ferrie (1)
- Interceptions: Isaac Smith (1)
- Next Opponent: Tennessee (3-1) on September 27
Upcoming Matchup
Next game for Mississippi State:
- Opponent: No. 15 Tennessee
- Date: September 27, 2025
- Location: Davis Wade Stadium
- Kickoff Time: 3:15 p.m. CT
FAQ
Q: What is Mississippi State’s current record?
A: Mississippi State achieved a 4-0 record for the first time since 2014 after defeating Northern Illinois 38-10.
Q: How did the Bulldogs perform in the second half of the game?
A: The Bulldogs outscored the Huskies 24-0 in the second half to solidify their victory.
Q: Who scored touchdowns for MSU during the game?
A: Davon Booth scored two touchdowns, and Xavier Gayten and Seydou Traore each contributed one touchdown.
Q: When is Mississippi State’s next game?
A: Mississippi State will host No. 15 Tennessee on September 27, 2025, for their SEC opener.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Mississippi State 38, Northern Illinois 10 |
| Record Achieved | 4-0, first time since 2014 |
| Second Half Score | MSU 24, NIU 0 |
| Next Opponent | No. 15 Tennessee |
| Next Game Date | September 27, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Soccer Team Draws with Auburn
Mississippi State Bulldogs Aiming for Stronger SEC Start
Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for Fall Scrimmage Series
Tennessee Faces Undefeated Mississippi State in Road Matchup
Tupelo Ranks First in Mississippi High School Football
Mississippi State Bulldogs Maintain Perfect Record with Win Over Northern Illinois
Tennessee Football Faces Mississippi State in Starkville
Mississippi State Football Announces Annual SEC Opponents
Tennessee Opens as 8.5-Point Favorite Against Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Remain Unranked Despite Undefeated Start
Additional Resources
- Rocky Top Insider: Jeff Lebby Preview
- Pick Dawgz: Tennessee vs Mississippi State Prediction
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Rankings
- ESPN: Game Recap Mississippi State vs NIU
- Hail State: 4-0 Start Overview
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google News: Mississippi State Football News
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.
