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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