Starkville, Mississippi, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State University Bulldogs achieved a 4-0 record for the first time since 2014 after a decisive 38-10 victory against Northern Illinois. After trailing early, the Bulldogs rallied with an impressive second half, outscoring their opponents 17-0. Key contributions came from Fluff Bothwell, who rushed for 101 yards, and quarterback Blake Shapen. With this commanding performance, Mississippi State looks ahead to their upcoming matchup against No. 15 Tennessee.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State University Bulldogs achieved a 4-0 record for the first time since 2014, following a decisive victory against Northern Illinois, with a final score of 38-10 on Saturday. This commanding win puts the Bulldogs in a strong position as they look ahead to future matchups.
The game began on a tense note, with Mississippi State initially trailing 3-0 after Northern Illinois’ first possession. However, the Bulldogs rallied to take the lead, gaining a 14-10 advantage by halftime. The momentum continued into the second half, where Mississippi State demonstrated dominance, outscoring Northern Illinois 17-0.
Rushing was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ success, as they averaged 6.0 yards per carry and totaled 292 rushing yards on 49 attempts. This performance was particularly impressive given that Northern Illinois’ defense had only allowed 74.0 rushing yards per game prior to this matchup. Fluff Bothwell, a transfer from South Alabama, led the Bulldogs’ ground game with 101 yards on 17 carries, marking his first 100-yard game with the team.
In addition to Bothwell’s performance, Davon Booth contributed significantly by scoring two touchdowns, while Xavier Gayten added another touchdown late in the game with 4 carries for 45 yards. Quarterback Blake Shapen completed 12 of 20 passes for 160 yards, threw one touchdown, and rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries.
Despite facing challenges with 11 penalties for 104 yards, Mississippi State amassed a total of 452 yards of offense and was successful on all four attempts for converting on fourth downs. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, recorded 267 total yards, including 125 on the ground.
On the defensive side, Mississippi State was led by standout Jahron Manning, who made seven tackles, while Isaac Smith recorded six tackles along with his first career interception. The Bulldogs also registered 6.0 tackles for loss throughout the game.
This performance positions Mississippi State for a significant upcoming matchup against No. 15 Tennessee. The Bulldogs received 57 voting points in the US LBM Coaches Poll, placing them at No. 29. The Bulldogs’ ranking is notable as it marks their first mention in the polls since the end of the 2022 season.
Tennessee opens as 10.5-point favorites for their SEC road opener against Mississippi State, although that line has since tightened to 7.5 points. The game is scheduled for September 27 at 3:15 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois will host San Diego State in their next game, looking to bounce back from this defeat.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs. Northern Illinois game?
The final score was Mississippi State Bulldogs 38, Northern Illinois 10.
How many rushing yards did Mississippi State achieve in the game?
Mississippi State totaled 292 rushing yards on 49 attempts, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
Who led the Bulldogs in rushing yards?
Fluff Bothwell led the Bulldogs with 101 yards on 17 carries.
When does Mississippi State play Tennessee?
Mississippi State is scheduled to play Tennessee on September 27 at 3:15 p.m. ET.
Chart of Key Game Stats
| Statistic | Mississippi State | Northern Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 38 | 10 |
| Total Yards | 452 | 267 |
| Rushing Yards | 292 | 125 |
| Passing Yards | 160 | 142 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 11 (104) | Not specified |
| Tackles for Loss | 6.0 | Not specified |
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Additional Resources
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.
