Category: Northern Illinois

Toledo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Toledo Rockets vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction and game preview.

Toledo vs Northern Illinois prediction and game preview.

Toledo vs Northern Illinois Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 5
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Toledo (2-2) vs Northern Illinois (0-4) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Toledo Will Win

The passing game is clicking.

It might be a relatively disappointing 2-2 start after a close loss to Ball State last week, but QB Eli Peters has been strong, hitting 75% of his passes for 407 yards and three scores. Now he and the Rockets get to go against a Northern Illinois defense that got hit for over 200 yards in each of the last two weeks.

The Huskies can’t convert on third downs enough to keep the Toledo offense off the field. It starts with a running game that’s not there.

The program that dominated and owned the MAC with its running game for so, so long can’t get the ground game going, averaging just 114 yards per game.

However …

– Week 14 College Schedule

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

No, NIU can’t convert on third downs, and the defense will get hit in a flash, but the team is dominant at slowing things down and controlling the clock.

The Huskies are second in the nation in time of possession, keeping the ball for 35:34 a game.

To have a chance at pulling this off, NIU needs field position. Toledo’s punting game isn’t good, NIU’s is solid, and for all the problems, the O puts the biscuit in the basket with points every time it gets inside the 20.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Yeah, Northern Illinois is great at controlling the clock, but Toledo is fantastic at it, too.

Score early, go with their own brand of ball control, and rely on the MAC’s best run defense to shut things down. The Rockets can – and will – do all of that.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Toledo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Toledo 38, Northern Illinois 26
Bet on Toledo vs Northern Illinois with BetMGM
Toledo -10, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 2

5: Gangs of London
1: Hillbilly Elegy

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl & CFP Projections

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Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Western Michigan Broncos vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction and game preview.

Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois prediction and game preview.

Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI
Network: ESPN+

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Western Michigan (3-0) vs Northern Illinois (0-3) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Huskies know how to control a game.

They aren’t running it as well as they need to do a better job of hanging on to the ball, but they grind down games to a pause. The passing game got going against Ball State, and the defense is doing a decent job on third downs, but they’re going to need to catch a few breaks.

Western Michigan doesn’t force takeaways and it commits way too many penalties. If the Broncos aren’t sharp – like they weren’t last year in the stunning 17-14 loss to NIU – it’ll be close. However …

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why Western Michigan Will Win

Northern Illinois is having huge problem on the lines. The offensive front isn’t doing anything for the running game, and the defense is getting hit hard on the ground, giving up close to 206 yards per game.

Western Michigan’s passing attack has been terrific so far – it’s No. 1 in the nation in efficiency with one interception, almost 14 yards per throw, and averaging 310 yards per game.

NIU doesn’t have a pass rush to be a problem, and WMU can run as much as it wants to against the porous defensive front.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Western Michigan can move the offense however it wants to. Throw in the grouchy factor after last year’s killer loss in DeKalb, and this will be an easy run for the Broncos.

Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Western Michigan 45, Northern Illinois 24
Bet on Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois with BetMGM
Western Michigan -20, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 12

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 11-0, ATS: 9-3, Point Total: 4-8

Tuesday, November 17

Buffalo at Bowling Green

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Buffalo -31.5, o/u: 59.5

Akron at Kent State

8:00 ESPN
Line: Kent State -24, o/u: 57.5

[lawrence-related id=523240]

Wednesday, November 18

Toledo at Eastern Michigan

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Toledo -7, o/u: 60.5

Western Michigan at Central Michigan

7:00 ESPN2
Line: Central Michigan -2, o/u: 60.5

Northern Illinois at Ball State

7:00 ESPN News
Line: Ball State -14.5, o/u: 60.5

– Bet on the MAC at BetMGM

Ohio at Miami University

Canceled

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals prediction and game preview.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State prediction and game preview.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Broadcast

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Network: ESPN News

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Northern Illinois (0-2) vs Ball State (1-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The defense is getting off the field.

This might not be a rock of a Huskie D – it’s giving up too many points – but it’s been great on third downs, allowing a nation-low 20% conversion rate.

The running game hasn’t quite worked as well as expected, but the team is able to control the game and the clock, holding the ball for over 35 minutes per game. NIU will have to do what it can to slow down the Cardinal offense, and tempo-wise, it can do that. However …

Why Ball State Will Win

Ball State is versatile.

It threw for 309 yards in the loss to Miami University to start the season, and ran for 304 yards last week to get by Eastern Michigan. The offense is averaging over 500 yards per game, the ground game is rolling, and special teams and punting are strong enough to keep the field tilted.

Make the Northern Illinois offense start deep in its own territory, and there’s going to be a problem.

What’s Going To Happen

Ball State has been through two good fights against two of the MAC’s better teams, Miami University and Eastern Michigan. It has been tested, and the offense still worked.

Northern Illinois will need a whole lot of breaks, takeaways, and special teams blunders to pull this off, and it won’t get enough of them.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Line

Ball State 41, Northern Illinois 20
Bet on Northern Illinois vs Ball State with BetMGM
Ball State -14, o/u: 62.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: The Crown: Season 4
1: A Nashville Christmas Carol

CFN Rankings | Bowl Projections
College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 11

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 11 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 11 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 6-0, ATS: 6-0, Point Total: 1-5

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Tuesday, November 10

Akron at Ohio

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Ohio -27.5, o/u: 57

Kent State at Bowling Green

7:30 ESPN2
Line: Kent State -20.5, o/u: 55.5

Miami University at Buffalo

8:00 ESPN
Line: Buffalo -9.5, o/u: 57

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Wednesday, November 11

Eastern Michigan at Ball State

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Ball State -9, o/u: 60.5

Toledo at Western Michigan

8:00 ESPN
Line: Western Michigan -2.5, o/u: 59.5

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois

8:00 ESPNU
Line: Central Michigan -7.5, o/u: 58

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Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction and game preview.

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois prediction and game preview.

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Broadcast

Date:Wednesday, November 11
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
Network: ESPNU

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Central Michigan (1-0) vs Northern Illinois (0-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Central Michigan Will Win

The Chippewas came up with a great fight in a fantastic 30-27 win over Ohio. The running game was great – Kobe Lewis ran for 112 yards and two scores – and the passing game did just enough to be fine for an offense that gained close to 80 yards more than the very, very good Bobcats.

CMU was +2 in turnover margin – it didn’t give the ball away and forced two fumbles – and now the aggressive D gets a Northern Illinois team that turned it over five times in the 49-30 loss to Buffalo, giving up two scoop-and-scores and a pick six. The Chippewas should come up with at least two takeaways.

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

Yeah, the five giveaways and the three touchdowns given up by the O were awful, but the offense worked against UB. QB Ross Bowers threw for 202 yards, the ground game was okay, and the O outgained the high-powered Bulls.

CMU might have put together a nice overall offensive day against Ohio, but the passing game didn’t stretch the field with a whole lot of dinking and dunking. NIU has to try controlling the clock, and that start with a better game from the offensive line. However …

– CFN College Football Experts Picks

What’s Going To Happen

Central Michigan will own the time of possession battle and the NIU lines will be outplayed. Chippewa LB Troy Hairston was a one-man wrecking crew against Ohio with three sacks and seven stops, and that’s just the beginning for this D.

Northern Illinois will have to win the turnover battle, and it won’t. However, it’ll keep it close throughout at home until late.

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Central Michigan 37, Northern Illinois 20
Bet on Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois with BetMGM
Central Michigan -7.5, o/u: 58
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2

5: Alex Trebek
1: “Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen.”

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl Projections
20 Most Interesting College Football Thoughts Ever

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 10

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 10 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 10 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 0-0, ATS: 0-0, Point Total: 0-0

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Wednesday, November 4

Eastern Michigan at Kent State

6:00 ESPN+
Line: Kent State -6, o/u: 62

Western Michigan at Akron

6:00 ESPN3
Line: Western Michigan -17.5, o/u: 54

[lawrence-related id=522251]

Buffalo at Northern Illinois

7:00 ESPN2
Line: Buffalo -13.5, o/u: 52

Ohio at Central Michigan

7:00 ESPN
Line: Central Michigan -1, o/u: 60.5

[lawrence-related id=522199]

Ball State at Miami University

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Miami University -3.5, o/u: 54.5

Bowling Green at Toledo

8:00 ESPNU
Line: Toledo -19, o/u: 62.5

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Buffalo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction and game preview.

Buffalo vs Northern Illinois prediction and game preview.

Buffalo vs Northern Illinois Broadcast

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Game Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
Network: ESPN2

[jwplayer DKYqWNCu]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Buffalo (0-0) vs Northern Illinois (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why Buffalo Will Win

The Bulls are loaded at the skill spots. RB Jaret Patterson is the signature star, but the receiving corps gets just about everyone back in a very deep and very talented group.

The Northern Illinois defense is going to be good, but does it have the offense to keep up? There’s hope for a whole lot of improvement, but the best player – RB Tre Harbison – left for Charlotte and the offensive line isn’t going to be quite up-to-normal-NIU-snuff.

UB has to get up early, keep providing the pressure, and make the Huskies press with the passing game. But …

– CFN Experts Picks: College Football

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The defense has a shot to keep this in range.

The line has to undergo an overhaul, but  the linebacking corps is expected to be a huge improvement and the secondary is going to be among the MAC’s best. The offense might have a slew of concerns, but it’s going to come out with an attitude after last year, and it’s going to try blasting away from the start.

Can the Huskies frustrate the Bulls? NIU will own the time of possession battle.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

What’s Going To Happen

Buffalo has the best team in the MAC coming into the season. It has the most offensive talent, the league’s best defense, a great pass rush, and the overall experience to rip through the season. It can all be taken apart, though, but NIU owning the clock.

The Huskies will keep the score in range for three quarters, and then the UB offense will shine through in the fourth as it pulls away.

– Week 10 College Football Schedule, Predictions

Buffalo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Buffalo 34, Northern Illinois 17
Bet on Buffalo vs Northern Illinois with BetMGM
Buffalo -13.5, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2

5: ANYTHING to take your mind off of …
1: EVERYTHING in the real world

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever
Week 10 College Football Schedule

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MAC 2020 Football Schedule: 5 Game Season Starting November

MAC football schedule 2020 composite. Week-by-week ranking of all of the games.

MAC football schedule 2020 composite. Week-by-week ranking of all of the games.

MAC Football Schedule Composite 2020

Each week’s games ranking from most interesting to least.

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MAC Football Schedule Week 1

Wednesday, Nov. 4
Buffalo at Northern Illinois
Ball State at Miami University
Eastern Michigan at Kent State
Ohio at Central Michigan
Bowling Green at Toledo
Western Michigan at Akron

MAC Football Schedule Week 2

Tuesday, Nov. 10
Miami University at Buffalo
Akron at Ohio
Kent State at Bowling Green

Wednesday, Nov. 11
Central Michigan at Northern Illinois
Eastern Michigan at Ball State
Toledo at Western Michigan

MAC Football Schedule Week 3

Tuesday, Nov. 17
Akron at Kent State
Buffalo at Bowling Green
Ohio at Miami

Wednesday, Nov. 18
Northern Illinois at Ball State
Toledo at Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan at Central Michigan

MAC Football Schedule Week 4

Saturday, Dec. 5
Ball State at Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan
Toledo at Northern Illinois
Bowling Green at Akron
Buffalo at Ohio
Kent State at Miami

MAC Football Schedule Week 5

Saturday, Dec. 12
Central Michigan at Toledo
Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan at Ball State
Akron at Buffalo
Miami at Bowling Green
Ohio at Kent State

Friday, Dec. 18
MAC Football Championship Game
Ford Field, Detroit, MI

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Big Ten Cancels Fall Season. What’s Next For College Football?

The Big Ten has canceled its 2020 football season due to concerns over the coronavirus. What’s next for college football?

The Big Ten has canceled its 2020 football season due to concerns over the coronavirus. What’s next for college football?

The Big Ten is going to do it. It’s going to cancel its 2020 college football season.

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It was rumored to happen for the last few weeks, and now it’s actually happening the Big Ten is cancelling college football for the 2020 fall.

The details of what’s next are still sketchy, but commissioner Kevin Warren has been hinting at the idea of a spring football season. Forgetting that it would mean two college football seasons in ten months, and that college football in Minneapolis and Madison would be delightful in February, there aren’t any details yet on how that might work.

This all started rolling over the weekend with reports of a meeting among conference presidents about the viability of a college football season, and then Monday morning the Dan Patrick Show went with the story that the Big Ten was going to shut things down.

In the end, it was just too much. The Big Ten types have been hinting from the start that they didn’t believe they could safely make it all work. There were liability concerns, player safety issues, the lack of revenue from no fans in the stands, and then when it finally came time to practice and get it all going, the college presidents couldn’t make it work.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget the player movement side of things. Squashing the demands and the voices of players isn’t a bad thing for those who run the higher-levels of college athletics.

The Big Ten just gave the whole #WeWantToPlay movement one giant, “bless your heart.”

And now, very predictably, college football gets politicized. What could possibly go wrong?

What’s next for college football coming in a moment …

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