As the Mississippi State Bulldogs prepare to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in their upcoming Week 4 matchup, there’s a palpable buzz around the game. Mississippi State will be looking to maintain its perfect season record and avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointing loss to a MAC opponent. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including predictions, scouting reports, and key insights.
Game Overview
This Saturday, September 20th, the Bulldogs (3-0) will host the Huskies (1-1) at Davis Wade Stadium, kicking off at 3:15 p.m. CT on the SEC Network. As MSU aims for its first 4-0 start since 2014, the stakes are high for both teams.
Recent Performance
Mississippi State comes into this game with momentum, having crushed Alcorn State 63-0 in their last outing. The Bulldogs showcased an explosive offense, scoring on all three opening possessions of their games this season. They’ve crafted a formidable early game strategy, outscoring their opponents 48-3 in the first quarter. Their strong first-half performance has been crucial, as they’ve accumulated 72 points while allowing only 13.
On the other hand, Northern Illinois enters this contest with mixed results this season. After a solid victory against Boston College, they faced a tough matchup against Maryland, where they trailed for a significant portion of the game but ultimately lost 20-9. Their defense has shown resilience, allowing an average of just 74 rushing yards against two opponents.
Scouting Reports
Mississippi State’s Advantages
Passing Attack: The Bulldogs have a dynamic aerial game led by quarterback Blake Shapen. He has developed a solid rapport with his top receivers, Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans III. Thompson ranks fourth in the SEC with 278 receiving yards, making him a crucial target.
Defensive Strength: The Mississippi State defense has been a standout unit. Notably, cornerback Kelley Jones holds an impressive coverage grade of 81.1, allowing only two receptions on 12 targets. This performance will be vital against a Northern Illinois passing game that averages just 100.0 yards per game.
- Momentum and Home-Field Advantage: With the Bulldogs riding high off recent victories and playing in front of their home crowd, they possess a psychological edge that could be critical in this matchup.
Northern Illinois’s Advantages
Proven Upset Capability: The Huskies have demonstrated the ability to topple power conference teams, such as their recent victory against Notre Dame and their win over Boston College. They have historical resilience against larger programs, which can’t be overlooked.
Defensive Tenacity: Northern Illinois has been proficient in limiting opponents’ rushing yardage. Given Mississippi State’s overall offensive style, the ability of the Huskies to shut down the run game could shift the dynamics of the game.
- Close Contests: In their match against Maryland, Northern Illinois was competitive and displayed the capability to keep games close, against formidable opponents, often coming up just short.
Injury Concerns
As the game approaches, it’s worth noting that there were no official injury reports from Mississippi State, as this is a non-conference matchup. However, the status of starting right tackle Albert Reese IV and reserve safety Stonka Burnside remains uncertain, which could impact the Bulldogs’ depth and performance.
Prediction
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, Mississippi State is favored to win this matchup. While their performance against Northern Illinois may not be as dominant as the 63-0 rout against Alcorn State, a score prediction leans towards a Mississippi State victory of 38-17. The Bulldogs will likely manage a strong start, capitalizing on their early-game strategy while maintaining scoring pressure.
Conclusion
In summary, the upcoming Mississippi State vs. Northern Illinois game is set to be an intriguing contest as both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. With the Bulldogs looking to secure an early-season statement and the Huskies aiming to prove their upset credentials, fans can expect an exciting game of football. Mississippi State’s powerful aerial attack and defensive prowess will be key components to their success, while Northern Illinois will rely on their proven ability to rise to the occasion against higher-tier teams. Whether the Bulldogs can maintain their momentum or if the Huskies can pull off an upset will be revealed on game day.
