Northwestern Wildcats defeat South Dakota State Jackrabbits 34-18: Recap & Betting Results
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 · NCAAF · South Dakota State Jackrabbits 18, Northwestern Wildcats 34
The Northwestern Wildcats beat the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 34-18 on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Northwestern Wildcats covered the spread as 14-point favorites. The game went over the closing total of 49.5, with 52 points combined.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Northwestern Wildcats final score and game recap
The Northwestern Wildcats led 7-0 after the first quarter and 10-6 at halftime. They outscored the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 24-12 in the second half, 17-6 in the fourth quarter alone. They led at the end of every quarter.
The leading performers, from the box score:
- Chase Mason (South Dakota State Jackrabbits): 23/48 passing for 285 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception.
- Grahm Goering (South Dakota State Jackrabbits): 9 catches for 117 yards.
- Aidan Chiles (Northwestern Wildcats): 14/24 passing for 273 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions.
- Joseph Himon II (Northwestern Wildcats): 4 carries for 87 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
Who covered the spread in South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Northwestern Wildcats?
The Northwestern Wildcats covered the spread as 14-point favorites, winning by 16 points.
The spread opened at Northwestern Wildcats -13.5 and closed at Northwestern Wildcats -14.
Did South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Northwestern Wildcats go over or under the total?
The game went over: 52 points combined against a closing total of 49.5, over by 2.5. 16 of the 52 points came in the first half.
The total opened at 46.5 and closed at 49.5.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Northwestern Wildcats odds: sportsbook value and line movement
Shortly before the start, the consensus moneyline had the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at +414 and the Northwestern Wildcats at -573. With the bookmaker's margin removed, that made the Northwestern Wildcats a 81% favorite. The Northwestern Wildcats won as the favorite at -573: $17.45 profit on a $100 bet.
The spread moved toward the Northwestern Wildcats between the open and the close, and they covered. The total moved up from 46.5 to 49.5, and the game went over.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits and Northwestern Wildcats betting trends: 2026 season
This result left the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 0-1 in the 2026 regular season. Against the spread, they covered in 0 of 1 game with a closing line on file. Their only game with a closing total went over.
This result left the Northwestern Wildcats 1-0 in the 2026 regular season. Against the spread, they covered in 1 of 1 game with a closing line on file. Their only game with a closing total went over.
What's next for South Dakota State Jackrabbits and Northwestern Wildcats?
Next for the Northwestern Wildcats: the Colorado Buffaloes at home on Saturday, September 19, 2026.