NIU football (1-1) enters halftime against the Mississippi State University Bulldogs (3-0) facing a 14-10 deficit. Travelling to matchup with the Bulldogs for the first time in program history on Saturday, the Huskies totaled 170 yards in the first half. 

Electing to receive, NIU opened the game with possession of the ball. The Huskies reached Bulldog territory three plays in, as sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr. broke through for a 32-yard run.  

Despite a 10-play drive nearly reaching Mississippi State’s 10-yard line, NIU gained an early 3-0 lead after senior kicker Andrew Glass drilled a 30-yard field goal. 

Mississippi State got off to a quick start, piecing together a lengthy 13-play drive resulting in a touchdown and putting the Bulldogs up 7-3 late in the first quarter. Senior wide receiver Brenen Thompson scored for Mississippi State, finding the endzone on a 10-yard run. 

NIU responded with a fruitless drive, resorting to a punt. The teams proceeded to trade punts, as the Huskies forced a three-and-out while the Bulldogs were pinned to their goal line. 

The Huskies capitalized on their new-found possession, scoring a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Holst connected with junior wide receiver DeAree Rogers for a 24-yard touchdown pass and gave NIU a 10-7 lead. 

Following a failed onside kick attempt by NIU, Mississippi State responded promptly and regained a 14-10 lead after Bulldogs graduate quarterback Blake Shapen connected with redshirt senior tight end Seydou Traore for a 1-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing drives, the teams traded punts. 

With regained possession, the Huskies failed to put up points and were forced to punt once again. NIU proceeded to force the Bulldogs to punt, gaining possession once more before half. 

The Huskies then kneeled, sending the game to halftime facing a 14-10 deficit.