Mississippi State vs Minnesota Prediction 9/12/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Mississippi State vs Minnesota prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 12th at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 2 matchup. 

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 1-0 this season after they defeated UL Monroe by a score of 62-13 in week one. Mississippi State led 41-3 at halftime and they cruised to the very easy win in the second half. The Bulldogs out gained ULM by a total of 762-278, went 5-11 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Kamario Taylor threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, while Anthony Evans III caught seven passes for 118 yards and one score. JJ Hill rushed seven times for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

Last season, Mississippi State went 5-8 (1-7) and they finished second to last in the SEC standings. Mississippi State started the year with a 34-17 win over Southern Miss and a 24-20 win over ASU. The Bulldogs were 4-0 to open the campaign, but went just 1-8 in their last nine games, including a 43-29 loss to Wake Forest in the Mayo Bowl. Mississippi State scored 30.4 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 30.2 points against per game on defense. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 1-0 this year after they defeated Eastern Illinois by a score of 59-7 last week. Minnesota led 35-7 at halftime and added 24 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Golden Gophers out gained EIU by a total of 495-110, went 10-15 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Drake Lindsey threw for 264 yards and one touchdown, while Javon Tracy caught five passes for 98 yards. Darius Taylor led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 56 yards and three scores in the win. 

Last year, Minnesota went 8-5 (5-4) and they finished tied for seventh in the Big Ten standings. Minnesota opened the year with a 23-10 win over Buffalo and a 66-0 win over Northwestern State. The Golden Gophers were 5-2 through seven games, but did lose three of their last five in the regular season, before beating New Mexico 20-17 in the Rate Bowl. Minnesota scored 23.0 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 22.9 points against per game on defense. 

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• Minnesota has won each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams at Huntington Bank Stadium.
• Mississippi State has lost 10 of its last 12 road games.
• Minnesota has covered the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Mississippi State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Minnesota has won the first half in 21 of its last 23 games against non-conference opponents at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Why the Mississippi State Bulldogs will win

• Mississippi State has won four of its last five games in September.
• Mississippi State has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Minnesota’s last four September games at Huntington Bank Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
• Six of Mississippi State’s last seven games have gone OVER the total points line.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 2, Pierce Walsh ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 2, Gracen Harris ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
• Minnesota ranks T1st among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
• Mississippi State ranks 1st among FBS teams for yards per game this season (762.0).
• Mississippi State ranks T1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (100.0).

Mississippi State vs Minnesota Prediction 

Both of these teams picked up blowout wins against bad teams in week one, so it will be interesting to see how they play against better competition. Minnesota will be at home and they have the better defense, but Mississippi State’s offense might be very good this season. We don’t get many Big Ten vs SEC games in the regular season, but I think Mississippi State’s offense will be the difference. Take the Bulldogs on the road.

David Racey's Pick: Mississippi State ML