Northern Illinois Huskies betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

Northern Illinois at Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Northern Illinois at Kentucky odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Kentucky Wildcats (3-0) welcome the Northern Illinois Huskies (1-2) to Kroger Field Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Northern Illinois vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Kentucky is coming into this game with high expectations and an even loftier spread. It kicked off the season with a 37-13 win over Miami (Ohio) and then took down Florida on the road as underdogs.

It most recently beat up on Youngstown State 31-0. The Wildcats are led by star QB Will Levis, who transferred in from Penn State and immediately started a season ago.

Northern Illinois, on the other hand, opened the season up with what’s been its only win so far, a 34-27 victory over Eastern Illinois. The Huskies lost to Tulsa 38-35 in a shootout and also succumbed to Vanderbilt 38-28.

QB Rocky Lombardi, who spent three seasons at Michigan State, captains the team and has totaled 5 TDs and 1 INT to go along with 530 passing yards.

Kentucky is No. 9 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Northern Illinois at Kentucky odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:02 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Northern Illinois +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Kentucky -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Illinois +26.5 (-112) | Kentucky -26.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northern Illinois at Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 38, Northern Illinois 10

Money line

PASS.

A +1100 underdog on the road isn’t worth consideration. Neither is a a -3000 favorite at home.

Against the spread

BET KENTUCKY -26.5 (-110).

Kentucky is one of a handful of teams to have covered every game through the first 3 weeks of the season. It did start off slow against Miami (Ohio), but since then the Wildcats have looked every bit of a CFP contender.

It took care of a 2-1 Youngtown State team quickly, entering the 4th quarter with a 28-0 win. The Huskies likely aren’t even at the level the Penguins were, having lost by 10 to Vanderbilt which is one of the worst SEC teams.

Northern Illinois is just 1-2 against the spread this season. With Lombardi uncertain to play after dislocating his leg against Vandy, the Huskies’ misfortune should continue in Lexington Saturday.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 53.5 (-110).

The likely absence of Lombardi is key. The Huskies have had a competent offense with the majority of their struggles defensively. They’ve scored at least 28 in every game.

QB Ethan Hampton will get the start if Lombardi is out, and he had 2 touchdowns and a pick against Vandy.

A far superior Wildcats defense will be awaiting him. Kentucky is 0-3 O/U and has held opponents to under 10 points per game. Expect a similar result on Saturday.

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Ohio at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Ohio at Northern Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Ohio Bobcats (23-7, 14-5 MAC) meet the Northern Illinois Huskies (8-21, 5-14) Friday. Tip-off at the NIU Convocation Center in Dekalb, Ill., is slated for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Ohio vs. Northern Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Ohio is coming off a key 80-77 loss to the MAC East’s last-placed team Bowling Green Tuesday. OU has dropped three of its last four games. Two of those recent losses — at Kent State and at BGSU — were on the road. The Bobcats shot a combined 29.5% from the floor in those setbacks away from home.

The Huskies lost 74-62 at OU Jan. 25. That loss is one of 13 in the team’s last 16 games. Northern Illinois has coughed up 74.5 points per game over that stretch.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Ohio at Northern Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:51 a.m. ET.

Money line: Ohio -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Against the spread (ATS): Ohio -9.5 (-120) | Northern Illinois +9.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Ohio at Northern Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio 75, Northern Illinois 65

Money line

PASS. A fair price in the 400s is well bottled up.

Against the spread

NIU is listing as it approaches the finish line. The Huskies simply don’t have the offense to hang in this one.

Peg the Bowling Green loss as a pre-tourney wake-up call for the Bobcats.

The lean is s slight one: consider a partial-unit play on OHIO -9.5 (-120).

Over/Under

Some turnover/transition action and a decent number of projected foul shots get this one to 140 more times than not.

BACK THE OVER 137.5 (-107).

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Cure Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Northern Illinois at Coastal Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Illinois Huskies (9-4) will take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (10-2) Friday in the Cure Bowl. Kickoff from Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla., is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Coastal Carolina, a team that was expected to be among the best non-Power 5 programs, had a terrific season. However, they lost two of their last six games to Georgia State and Appalachian State.

Senior RB Shermari James has been a workhorse and ranks 50th in the nation in rushing yards with 988 yards on just 151 carries.

He’ll be going against one of the worst rush defenses in the NCAA. Northern Illinois ranks 120th out of 130 programs with 215.8 rushing yards allowed per game.

The Huskies had seven of their last nine games end within a one-score margin, so they’ve been competitive with teams in the MAC, typically coming out on top. They average 31.5 points per game and have had five ball carriers go for over 400 yards, so they’ll be working with a committee in this one.

Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:26 p.m. ET.

Money line: Northern Illinois +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Coastal Carolina -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Illinois +11.5 (-108) | Coastal Carolina -11.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Coastal Carolina 42, Northern Illinois 24

Money line

PASS on the money line. I like Coastal Carolina to win but betting a -450 favorite typically isn’t a smart play.

Against the spread

BET on COASTAL CAROLINA -11.5 (-112) as they have one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation and should be looking to absolutely dominate the ground game.

With Northern Illinois having been throttled by Western Michigan just a few weeks ago, the faith in them just isn’t here.

Coastal has shown a dominant run attack and is taking on a side that has an inability to stop the run. Coastal should win this game by at least two touchdowns.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 62.5 (-110) as who doesn’t love some bowl game magic.

Both teams have terrific offenses and lackluster defenses. Northern Illinois scored more than 30 points per game but gives up more than 32 points per game.

Similarly, Coastal is averaging more than 40 points per game. This should be a game filled with points as two high-octane offenses are going against two poor defenses.

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Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (6-5, 3-4 MAC) and Northern Illinois Huskies (8-3, 6-1) meet Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. Below, we look at the Western Michigan vs. Northern Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Michigan was felled by Eastern Michigan 22-21 last Tuesday. The Broncos led that game 21-9 heading into the final minute of the third quarter. They were undone by a minus-2 in turnovers had two giveaways in the fourth quarter — one of which led to a game-winning field goal. WMU is just 1-3 since Oct. 23.

The Huskies earned an overtime win over the Buffalo Bulls Wednesday, but their last three victories — over a four-game span — have come by a combined eight points. Northern Illinois piled up 308 rushing yards in its win over Buffalo and rank 11th nationally in rushing with 228.4 yards per game.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:22 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Michigan -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +135 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan -3.5 (-107) | Northern Illinois +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Michigan 28, Northern Illinois 23

Money line

Western Michigan won last year’s meeting 30-27. These two MAC West foes have split their last four games, and all four have been decided by one score.

Northern Illinois has won four straight at home, but in a game where both teams will want to rely a ton on the run, the better rushing defense — WMU — figures as the team to play. The Broncos are a decent play in the -150 to -155 range but PASS on the current tag.

Against the spread

BACK THE BRONCOS -3.5 (-107). Keep an eye on this line: parts of the market have phased in and out of WMU -3. With a likable Under in a series full of close games, Broncos -3 figures as a play to leverage.

NIU is already ticketed for a trip to the MAC title game, while WMU is fighting for bowl eligibility.

Over/Under

The Under is 7-2 in the last nine series meetings at Northern Illinois. Tuesday’s forecast calls for 36 degrees and a 16-mile-an-hour breeze. A bit of game control for the Broncos and a lack of explosiveness for their offense factor into this one hitting on a combined score in the 50s.

TAKE THE UNDER 60.5 (-105).

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Northern Illinois at Buffalo odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Northern Illinois at Buffalo odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Illinois Huskies (7-3, 5-1 MAC) visit the Buffalo Bulls (4-6, 2-4) Wednesday at UB Stadium in Buffalo. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northern Illinois vs. Buffalo odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Huskies posted a 30-29 win against Ball State last Wednesday, keeping them on track for a MAC West Division title. NIU needs to win one of its next two games to clinch a repeat trip back to the MAC Championship Game.

The Bulls are still alive for bowl eligibility, but they need to win the final two games. Two straight losses to Bowling Green and Miami have worked to unravel the season for Buffalo.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northern Illinois at Buffalo odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northern Illinois -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Buffalo -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Illinois +0.5 (-110) | Ball State -0.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northern Illinois at Buffalo odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Northern Illinois 39, Buffalo 29

Money line

NORTHERN ILLINOIS (-110) needed all 60 minutes to get by Ball State last week, and nothing comes easy in the MAC, especially in these unpredictable November mid-week games. But NIU has been playing good football lately, putting up 30 or more points in four consecutive games. The offense has been confident, and they can do it on the ground or through the air.

Buffalo (-110) will be able to move the ball on a Huskies defense that has given up 26 or more points in each of the past four, including being gouged for 52 at Kent State two weeks ago. But the Bulls are not the Golden Flashes, and this team managed just 18 points last week at Miami. This team is just 2-4 SU across the past six outings and is likely sitting home for the holidays at this rate.

Against the spread

It’s a bit monotonous, as NORTHERN ILLINOIS +0.5 (-110) costs the same as the money line, but sprinkle some on the spread as well.

Over/Under

The OVER 59.5 (-110) is worth a look, as Buffalo has cashed the Over in each of the past two, allowing a total of 101 points in the two-game span.

Northern Illinois made a great move by getting QB Rocky Lombardi to transfer in from Michigan State. He has given the team great leadership under center, and this Huskies team is scoring plenty. WR Tyrice Richie could return from a leg injury to make this offense that much more explosive.

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Ball State at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Ball State at Northern Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Ball State Cardinals (5-4, 3-2 MAC) and Northern Illinois Huskies (6-3, 4-1) battle Wednesday in a 7 p.m. ET game at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. Below, we look at the Ball State vs. Northern Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wednesday’s “MACtion” tilt at NIU is a key game in the race for the MAC West title, especially with the second-place Cardinals playing solid football of late and winning four of their last five games.

Ball State is improving offensively and is starting to become a reasonable facsimile of the Cardinals team that went 7-1 last season. However, that improving offense is relative: BSU still ranks ninth in MAC scoring, and its gains have come against some struggling defensive teams.

The Huskies are a bit of a work in progress on defense. Northern Illinois is coming off a 52-47 loss at Kent, and NIU has coughed up 90 points over its last two games. However, the Huskies have been solid with the ball in their possession and have rushed for 221.1 yards per contest which ranks 15th in FBS and No. 2 in the MAC.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ball State at Northern Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:44 a.m. ET.

Money line: Ball State -140 (bet $ 140 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Ball State -2.5 (-112) | Northern Illinois +2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Ball State at Northern Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Northern Illinois 31, Ball State 28

Money line

Ball State may have some road fatigue that crops up in this midweek night game at NIU as its played just one home game since Oct. 2.

Looking under the hood, Ball State has some analytic measures that indicate they are trampling all over the good-versus-lucky line with regards to how it moves the ball on third downs and in its opponent’s territory.

Figure Northern Illinois as having a significant edge in the trenches when it has the ball. Enough so to make this game more of a pick ’em. BACK THE HUSKIES (+115).

Against the spread

The Huskies are 9-2 ATS over their last 11 games following an ATS loss. They are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games against BSU.

NIU runs the ball 64.3% of the time which ranks 10th in FBS. That ground game is the home side’s best defense in this one and on what figures as a somewhat breezy night in DeKalb, that running game makes the Huskies a value play.

BACK NORTHERN ILLINOIS +2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

The public looks to have this one surrounded. BACK OFF.

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Wyoming at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Wyoming at Northern Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wyoming Cowboys (1-0) and Northern Illinois Huskies (1-0) meet Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill., for a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Wyoming vs. Northern Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wyoming was lucky to escape at home against FCS Montana State in the opener. Montana State carried a 7-3 lead into the fourth quarter before the offense finally picked up for both sides.

The Bobcats held a 16-12 lead with 2:17 to go, but Cowboys QB Sean Chambers provided the late heroics with a 21-yard scoring strike to TE Treyton Welch with 47 ticks left in regulation for the winner.

Meanwhile, NIU raised a lot of eyebrows by surprising Georgia Tech 22-21. Michigan State transfer QB Rocky Lombardi paid immediate dividends with the TD strike with 38 seconds left in regulation. The Huskies elected to go for two rather than the game-tying extra point, and they converted for the outright win as 19-point underdogs.

Wyoming at Northern Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wyoming -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
Against the spread (ATS): Wyoming -6.5 (-115) | Northern Illinois +6.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Wyoming at Northern Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Northern Illinois 26, Wyoming 23

Money line

I really like what I saw from NORTHERN ILLINOIS (+220) last weekend in Atlanta. Apparently, the books don’t share my enthusiasm for Lombardi and the NIU offense, as the Huskies are nearly touchdown underdogs on home field.

Take advantage, as Northern Illinois is a nice value against a Wyoming team with a solid quarterback and running back, but not much else.

Against the spread

If you’re not feeling the Huskies straight up, play NORTHERN ILLINOIS +6.5 (-105) with the points. After an impressive road win over a Power 5 team, the Huskies are underdogs to a Mountain West team that struggled to beat a mediocre FCS foe. I don’t get it. Roll with the Huskies for the W and cover.

My biggest concern is that Georgia Tech hung 286 rushing yards on NIU, and Wyoming had RB Xazavian Valladay, a guy capable of housing it each time he touches the pill.

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Over/Under

OVER 44.5 (-108) is the lean here. Both of these teams had long spells of offensive struggles last week in their victories.

I think Lombardi and the NIU offense can be a little more consistent. They ran the ball OK, and lost in the late-game heroics was the fact Lombardi threw for just 136 yards and a pair of scores. RB Harrison Waylee can match Valladay in the ground game, and this one has the potential to be near 50 total points.

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Northern Illinois at Ball State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Northern Illinois Huskies at Ball State Cardinals sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Northern Illinois Huskies (0-2, 0-2 MAC) and Ball State Cardinals (1-1, 1-1) meet in Muncie, Ind., for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff Wednesday. Below, we analyze the Northern Illinois-Ball State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Northern Illinois at Ball State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Northern Illinois +460 (bet $100 to win $460) | Ball State -667 (bet $667 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Northern Illinois +14.5 (-110) | Ball State -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 62.5 (O: -106 | U: -115)

Northern Illinois at Ball State: Three things to know

The Huskies hung tough in their opener against Buffalo, falling 49-30. The game was actually much closer, as NIU outgained the conference champs in yardage, but the Bulls had three defensive touchdowns. Last week, NIU was dusted 40-10 against Central Michigan. While NIU has been good against the pass, it cannot stop the run, allowing 208.0 yards per game to rank 101st in the nation.
Ball State has had mixed results, losing its opener 38-31 at Miami-Ohio, and winning 38-31 last week against Eastern Michigan. The Cardinals offense ranks 15th with 507 total yards per game, and they’re 15th in rushing yards with 236.5 YPG. Defensively, the Cardinals are allowing 269.0 passing YPG to check in 102nd.
The Huskies have dominated this series, going 7-1 ATS in the past eight meetings, and 5-0 ATS in the past five trips to Muncie. The road team is also 8-3 ATS in the past 11 in this series.

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Northern Illinois at Ball State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Ball State 34, Northern Illinois 26

Money line (ML)

Ball State (-667) will cost you more than five times your return. That’s just not a good plan over the long term, especially when playing heavy favorites with a poor defense capable of folding at any time. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS +14.5 (-110) is the play. The Cardinals are averaging 34.5 PPG, but allowed both Miami-Ohio and Eastern Michigan to score 31 points each against them. They might be able to win, but by double digits? Unlikely. Plus, NIU has dominated this series, at least against the number.

Over/Under (O/U)

AVOID. So far Ball State has seen a total of 69 points scored in each of their games, winning and losing by a 38-31 score. The Huskies had a power outage on offense last week at home, and they’re a bit of a question mark in their first road outing. This one will be just too close to call, so focus on the spread instead.

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Central Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Central Michigan Chippewas at Northern Illinois Huskies sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Central Michigan Chippewas (1-0, 1-0 MAC) and Northern Illinois Huskies (0-1, 0-1) meet in DeKalb, Ill., for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff Wednesday. Below, we analyze the Central Michigan-Northern Illinois college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Central Michigan -295 (bet $295 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +235 (bet $100 to win $235)
Against the spread/ATS: Central Michigan -7.5 (-110) | Northern Illinois +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 57.5 (O: -115 | U: -106)

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois: Three things to know

Central Michigan opened with an impressive 30-27 win over Ohio in the opener, as QB Daniel Richardson threw for 243 yards with a touchdown. He started since QB David Moore is still suspended for violation of testing positive for an NCAA banned substance last season. Moore’s appeal remains in limbo.
Many will look at the score from NIU’s game vs. Buffalo last week and assume the Huskies were beaten badly as they fell 49-30. Northern Illinois actually outgained Buffalo 397 to 357 in total yards, but turnovers were the issue. NIU coughed it up five times, and two fumbles and an interception were each returned for touchdowns. That was the difference.
These teams met last season in Mount Pleasant, and the CMU registered a 48-10 win on Nov. 2, 2019. The Chips have covered six straight in this series.

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Central Michigan 33, Northern Illinois 27

Money line (ML)

Central Michigan (-295) should be able to secure a road victory against Northern Illinois (+235), although laying more than three times your potential return isn’t a great wager. Over the long haul, this identical wager while winning at a 75 percent clip, you would be in the red. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS +7.5 (-110) is home for a second consecutive week. While NIU failed to cover against Buffalo last week, the Huskies were solid on offense and they’re a great bet catching 7 and a hook. They’re not going to turn it over five times, and they’re certainly not going to have three defensive touchdowns against them again.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 57.5 (-115) is a decent small-unit play. The Over has hit in five straight as a road favorite for the Chips, while cashing in eight of the previous eight league games. NIU hit the Over in the opener, moving to 7-1 across the past eight for the Huskies.

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