Lindenwood vs Missouri State Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Lindenwood Lions visit the Missouri State Bears on Saturday at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Missouri, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and coverage on ESPN+. Lindenwood enters at 1-1 after beating Charleston Southern 20-17 before losing 36-32 at Stony Brook. Missouri State is 0-1 after opening its season with a 50-0 road loss to Texas A&M. The Bears return home looking for a much better offensive performance, while Lindenwood has scored 26.0 points per game through two contests. Be a big winner with our free NCAAF picks.
Lindenwood Lions Preview
Lindenwood has built its offense around quarterback Pops Battle, who is averaging 175.5 passing yards per game while completing 67.3% of his attempts. Battle has not thrown a touchdown or interception, but he has added 56.5 rushing yards per game and three scores on the ground. The Lions are averaging 162.5 rushing yards per contest, led by Jared Rhodes at 61.0. Lindenwood has scored all four of its offensive touchdowns on the ground.
Jalen Smith leads the receiving group with 63.5 yards per game, while Drew Krobath is averaging 50.5. The Lions have allowed 26.5 points per contest, including 36 in their latest loss to Stony Brook. The defense has recorded six sacks, led by King Smith with 2.5 and Mason Burke with two. DeVonta Owens leads Lindenwood with 5.5 tackles per game, while Zach Lewis has 4.0 and a forced fumble.
Injuries: No injuries to report.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Missouri State Bears Preview
Missouri State had a difficult opening assignment at Texas A&M and finished with only 67 total offensive yards in the 50-0 defeat. Skyler Locklear completed 8 of 17 passes for 30 yards and did not throw a touchdown or interception. The Bears managed just 37 rushing yards on 23 attempts, with King Davis leading the team with 14 yards. Missouri State averaged only 1.6 yards per rushing attempt and did not reach the end zone.
Dillon Hipp caught two passes for a team-high 15 yards, while Jmariyae Robinson had four receptions for 14. The Missouri State defense spent much of the opener under pressure but did produce two sacks. Anthony Mattison and Josh Lukusa recorded one apiece, while Jared Lloyd led the defense with 13 tackles. Joel Boamah forced and recovered a fumble, giving the Bears one takeaway despite the one-sided result.
Injuries: QB Henry Belin IV is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Lindenwood vs Missouri State Prediction
Missouri State faced a much higher level of competition in its opener, so the 50-point loss needs some context. Still, producing only 67 yards raises questions about an offense that now faces a Lindenwood defense with six sacks through two games. Battle also gives the Lions a dual-threat option, while Rhodes has provided steady rushing production. Missouri State has the home-field advantage, but Lindenwood has shown far more offensive production and has already played two competitive games. The Lions will score more consistently. Final Score Prediction: Missouri State Bears win, but Lindenwood Lions cover, 31-17.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Best Picks
- Lindenwood Lions +21.5
- Under 53.5
