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The Northern Illinois Huskies (4-4, 3-1 MAC) and Central Michigan Chippewas (4-4, 2-2) tangle Tuesday. Kickoff at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northern Illinois vs. Central Michigan odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Northern Illinois last played Oct. 21, defeating Eastern Michigan 20-13 as a -11.5 home favorite. A Huskies team that has allowed a combined 40 points over its last 3 games is allowing just 310.4 yards per contest (2nd in MAC). NIU has won 3 straight against the spread (ATS).
The Chippewas failed to cover as 5-point favorites in their last game, a 24-17 loss Oct. 21 at Ball State, and they have lost 4 in a row against the number. Central Michigan is undefeated at home this season (3-0).
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Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:08 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Northern Illinois -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Central Michigan +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
- Against the spread (ATS): Northern Illinois -5.5 (-110) | Central Michigan +5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
picks and predictions
Prediction
Northern Illinois 28, Central Michigan 17
Moneyline
Fair prices here, offering little-to-no leverage. PASS.
Against the spread
Northern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road. Central Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall and 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home.
NIU won 39-38 at CMU 2 years ago but then lost at home to the Chippewas last fall (35-22 Nov. 2). With the much better defense in this match-up, look for the Huskies to take care of business by a touchdown or more on Tuesday.
The Northern Illinois pass defense is a difference-maker in this match-up. On what will be a cold night in Michigan, expect a versatile (enough) Huskies offense to give the visitors a lead. Factors like NIU’s penchant for pickoffs (9 in 8 games), CMU’s porous red-zone defense and recent-game analytic scores are green check marks backing up a prognosis for a late-game 7-to-10-point cushion.
Several models’ win expectancy figures point to the Chippewas having a couple wins under their belt being way-less-than-wholly earned.
The line has steamed from 1.5 or 2.5 in some markets, so BACK THE HUSKIES -5.5 (-110) and perhaps get in quick and guard against a move to -6. And enough leverage has been lost that a partial-unit play may be in order.
Over/Under
No lean on the total as priced. PASS.
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