- Matchup: UL Monroe Warhawks vs Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Venue: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds/Point Spread: Bulldogs favored by 28.5 points
- Total Points Over-Under: 54.5
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The UL Monroe Warhawks (3-9 last season) are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-8 last year) at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Bulldogs begin as 28.5-point favorites, with the total combined points pegged at 54.5.
Last season, the UL Monroe Warhawks concluded with a disappointing 3-9 record. Their most recent game ended in a narrow defeat against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, with a final score of 30-27. In that match, the Warhawks attempted 43 rushes, totaling 205 yards with an average of 4.8 yards per carry. They executed 76 plays, accumulating 516 yards in total. The Warhawks’ defense allowed 16 completions on 30 attempts, yielding 126 passing yards, resulting in a completion percentage of 53.3%. On the ground, UL Monroe gave up 212 yards over 38 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per rush.
Throughout the prior season, the Warhawks amassed a total of 3,882 yards. They secured 16 touchdown passes and 12 rushing touchdowns but also faced 19 turnovers. UL Monroe achieved 212 first downs and incurred 88 penalties for a total of 780 yards. On the ground, they averaged 163.1 rushing yards per game, placing them 61st in NCAA Division I. In scoring, the Warhawks averaged 16.6 points per game.
In terms of defense, UL Monroe was ranked 119th nationally in points allowed, conceding an average of 31.9 points per game. They allowed 4.3 yards per carry and an average of 162.6 rushing yards per game, totaling 1,951 yards for the season. In passing defense, they conceded 2,668 yards, ranking 52nd in Division I, allowing 222.3 yards per game with a completion rate of 63.4%. Overall, they surrendered an average of 384.8 yards per game, placing them 82nd nationally, with 22 touchdown pass completions and 23 rushing touchdowns given up.
The Bulldogs wrapped up their season with a 5-8 record. In their final game, they fell short against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, losing 43-29. Mississippi State’s rushing defense conceded 148 yards on 35 attempts (averaging 4.2 yards per carry). In pass defense, the Bulldogs allowed a completion rate of 60.6%, giving up 303 yards on 20 completions from 33 attempts. Overall, the Bulldogs accounted for 408 total yards, running 69 plays with an average of 5.9 yards per play, while their rushing attack averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, totaling 114 yards from 42 attempts.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs generated an average of 399.2 yards per game, placing them 56th in the nation for total offense. They gave up 800 yards in penalties across 94 infractions, ranking them 22nd in the country. Their rushing game averaged 158.0 yards per contest, totaling 2,054 yards for the season. The Bulldogs recorded 9 interceptions and saw 7 fumbles recovered by opponents, while they achieved 285 first downs. In scoring, they ranked 42nd overall, averaging 30.4 points per game, with a total of 3,136 passing yards and an average of 241.2 yards per game through the air, which ranked them 54th nationally.
On defense, Mississippi State allowed an average of 30.2 points per game, ranking them 106th nationally. They surrendered a total of 2,422 rushing yards (186.3 yards/game) and 20 touchdowns against the ground game last season. In terms of passing defense, they allowed 23 touchdowns and an average of 223.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 78th in college football. The Bulldogs participated in 893 defensive plays, ranking them 102nd nationally, with 5 fumble recoveries and 13 interceptions. In total, their defense allowed 393 points throughout the season.
Who will claim victory in this pivotal matchup between the Warhawks and Bulldogs?
Prediction: Bulldogs to cover the spread at -28.5
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