Miles stars in Notre Dame’s season-opening win vs. Northern Illinois

Nice way to start things off.

Given all the preseason hype surrounding [autotag]Olivia Miles,[/autotag] it was only fair that she take center stage in Notre Dame’s season opener. She led the Irish in almost every category and thoroughly dominated. Exactly how dominant was she? Try a line of 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and six steals, all of which were team highs in an 88-48 victory at the Purcell Pavilion.

The Irish (1-0) saw the Huskies (0-1) take a 4-3 lead early in the first quarter, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. It was an Irish stampede from there, and it happened largely thanks to suffocating defense in which they recorded 16 steals and forced 22 turnovers. They held the Huskies to 27.5% shooting from the field while shooting 47.9% themselves.

[autotag]Dara Mabrey[/autotag] scored 16 points in a game-high 34 minutes. [autotag]Maddy Westbeld[/autotag] had 13 points and a game-high four blocks. In her first game since transferring from Texas, [autotag]Lauren Ebo[/autotag] added 10 points off the bench.

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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 10 game on Wednesday, November 2

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 10, Wednesday, November 2


Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois How To Watch

Date: Wednesday, November 2
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
How To Watch: ESPNU
Record: Central Michigan (2-6), Northern Illinois (2-6)
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Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Game Preview

Why Central Michigan Will Win

For all of the problems and issues, the Central Michigan passing game has been relatively accurate and the ground attack has been okay. It’s going to be the defense, though, that has to pull this off.

The Chippewas are amazing at getting into the backfield – they’re second in the nation in tackles for loss – and are terrific at generating third down stops.

The D should be able to keep the Northern Illinois offense in check – there isn’t a ton to worry about from the Huskies passing game – and the O should be able to get moving a bit against one of the nation’s worst teams at generating third down stops.

However …

NFL Expert Picks, Week 9

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

Central Michigan gets off the bus at -2 in turnover margin.

The 18 turnovers this season have been a killer, giving the ball away four times in the loss to Bowling Green and losing the last four times the O gave it up multiple times.

Northern Illinois doesn’t force takeaways, though. The defense has been better overall over the last two weeks on the road, but that’s partly because the running game has been dominant enough to control the action.

The Central Michigan defensive front doesn’t get gouged too often, but if NIU can come close to the 260-yard mark on the ground – it got there in three of the last four games – it should be okay.

– Game Previews, Predictions CollegeNFL

What’s Going To Happen

Good luck trying to figure out if and when Northern Illinois will play well.

Good luck trying to figure out if and when Central Michigan will play well.

Both teams are having major issues and one is about to get knocked out of the bowl picture after coming into the season with hopes of winning a MAC title. Northern Illinois will get a bit more out of it run defense and ground game than Central Michigan will.

College Football Expert Picks, Week 10

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Northern Illinois 31, Central Michigan 24
Line: Northern Illinois -3.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Predictions of Every Game

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Northern Illinois vs Ohio Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois vs Ohio game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 8 game on Saturday, October 22

Northern Illinois vs Ohio prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 8, Saturday, October 22


Northern Illinois vs Ohio How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 22
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Peden Stadium, Athens, OH
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Northern Illinois (2-5), Ohio (4-3)
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Northern Illinois vs Ohio Game Preview

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

Welcome back, Northern Illinois.

The defending MAC champion was having a problem in loss after loss, but just when the season was over, it dropkicked Eastern Michigan 39-10 with 287 yards on the ground to potentially turn everything around.

And now it gets the Ohio defense. It’s the second-worst in the country.

The Bobcats shocked Western Michigan 33-14 with the D showing up, but that was an anomaly. Northern Illinois will be able to hit throws at will against a D allowing QBs to hit 70%, and …

NFL Expert Picks, Week 7

Why Ohio Will Win

The Ohio offense if fantastic.

It’s making up for the problems on defense with lots and lots and lots of passing yards – Ohio is first in the MAC and 13th in the nation averaging 324 yards per game.

The NIU defense has been a bit better over the last few weeks, but it gives up passing yards in chunks, the offense has turnover issues, and

– Game Previews, Predictions CollegeNFL

What’s Going To Happen

Is the Northern Illinois defensive performance last season against Eastern Michigan for real?

Sort of, but it won’t matter. Ohio’s offense will go off, it’ll do enough to overcome a huge day from the NIU ground game, and it’ll be a blast of a game with a whole bunch of scoring and points.

Ohio will have more of both.

College Football Expert Picks, Week 8

Northern Illinois vs Ohio Prediction, Line

Ohio 37, Northern Illinois 30
Line: Northern Illinois -3, o/u: 65
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Northern Illinois vs Ohio Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Predictions of Every Game

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Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 7 game on Saturday, October 15

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 7, Saturday, October 15


Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 15
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Northern Illinois (1-5), Eastern Michigan (4-2)
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Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Game Preview

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Huskies can still run the ball.

They might be having a ton of turnover problems, and the defense is struggling, but the defending MAC champion is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and can keep things moving on third downs.

Eastern Michigan might be doing a decent job lately, but start running on this bunch and good things happen. Buffalo was able to win with over 200 yards on the ground and four scores, Louisiana was able to throw, and NIU is versatile enough

However …

NFL Expert Picks, Week 6

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win

Northern Illinois is struggling.

Granted, the schedule hasn’t been a breeze, but the six turnovers over the last two games have ben a killer, the defense can’t stop anyone from throwing well, and Eastern Michigan has its guy back.

The offense struggles for a few games, and then QB Taylor Powell was back and it all clicked in the 45-23 win over Western Michigan. As long as the passing game hits the 60% mark, and as long there aren’t a slew of turnovers to give NIU easy chances, the Eagles should be okay.

– Schedules, Previews CollegeNFL

What’s Going To Happen

Northern Illinois is overdue for a brilliant performance, but it’s been waiting to break through for a while.

Eastern Michigan will be fine as long as it keeps the Huskie offense from going off. Keep it from being balanced, and keep it from getting to 450 yards, and all should be fine.

The EMU passing game should keep the chains moving and take control of the game at home.

College Football Expert Picks, Week 7

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Prediction, Line

Eastern Michigan 34, Northern Illinois 26
Line: Eastern Michigan -2.5, o/u: 67
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4
Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Predictions of Every Game

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Toledo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Toledo vs Northern Illinois game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 6 game on Saturday, October 8

Toledo vs Northern Illinois prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 6, Saturday, October 8


Toledo vs Northern Illinois How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 8
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Huskies Stadium, DeKalb, IL
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Toledo (3-2), Northern Illinois (1-4)
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Toledo vs Northern Illinois Game Preview

Why Toledo Will Win

The Rockets picked it back up.

After getting rolled by Ohio State and shocked late by San Diego State, the running game settled in against Central Michigan, the D held up, and it looked like the team that should be in the mix for the MAC title.

The Northern Illinois defense can’t stop anyone’s passing game. The run defense hasn’t been anything great, but it’ll be Dequan Finn who needs to go off against a secondary that’s giving up 312 yards per game.

NFL Expert Picks, Week 5

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

There’s the Northern Illinois running game.

The offensive front has been terrific in pass protection, and last week the ground game rolled for 332 yards in the loss to Ball State.

The offense is balanced, movingthex chains isn’t a big problem, and turnovers haven’t been much of a concern. As long as the Huskies can pound away for long stretches, they have a shot to take control as the game goes on, but …

– Schedules, Previews CollegeNFL

What’s Going To Happen

The Northern Illinois defense is way too leaky.

It’s not coming up with third down stops and the secondary isn’t going to stop what Toledo will be able to do.

On the flip side, the Rocket pass defense will be a rock and the front line will do just enough. The offense will own this as the game goes on.

CFN Expert Picks, Week 6

Toledo vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Toledo 34, Northern Illinois 27
Line: Toledo -5.5, o/u: 60
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Toledo vs Northern Illinois Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Predictions of Every Game

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Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois vs Ball State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 5 game on Saturday, October 1

Northern Illinois vs Ball State prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 5, Saturday, October 1


Northern Illinois vs Ball State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 1
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Northern Illinois (1-3), Ball State (1-3)
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Northern Illinois vs Ball State Game Preview

Why Ball State Will Win

The passing game is working.

The team might be struggling to do enough to get by in close games, and the defense is having issues against decent quarterbacks, but John Paddock is winging it around, the Cardinals can keep up the pace, and it’s all coming from a line that’s doing a great job in pass protection.

Northern Illinois is the worst team in the country at third down defense. Just keep the chains moving.

NFL Expert Picks, Week 4

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Huskies aren’t giving away anything easy. They don’t turn the ball over – just two in the four games – and like Ball State their also great in pass protection allowing just one sack so far.

However, unlike Ball State, Northern Illinois can get into the backfield from time to time – at the very least, it can get pressure on Paddock.

The offense has been balanced, the defense hasn’t been bad against the run, and …

– Schedules, Previews CollegeNFL

What’s Going To Happen

Northern Illinois finally gets to take a breath after dealing with at Tulsa, Vanderbilt, and at Kentucky. It should’ve been able to slip past the Golden Hurricane, and it’s not like Vandy is that great, but it’s 1-3 against a far better schedule than what 1-3 Ball State dealt with.

The Huskie offense will be more balanced, the defense will be more disruptive, and being just +1 in turnover margin will make a difference.

CFN Expert Picks, Week 5

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Line

Northern Illinois 34, Ball State 27
Line: Northern Illinois -4.5, o/u: 60.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Northern Illinois vs Ball State Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

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Kentucky vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Kentucky vs Northern Illinois game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 4 game on Saturday, September 24

Kentucky vs Northern Illinois prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 4, Saturday, September 24


Kentucky vs Northern Illinois How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 24
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Kroger Field, Lexington, KY
How To Watch: ESPN2
Record: Kentucky (3-0), Northern Illinois (1-2)
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Kentucky vs Northern Illinois Game Preview

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Huskies have been able to move the ball.

They went against the nation’s best passing team in Tulsa and lost in a good fight, and they couldn’t hold up last week as Vanderbilt roared back in a 38-28 win.

The O, though is great at closing out drives with points, the passing game has been strong so far, and the offensive line has been getting the job done giving Rocky Lombardi and company time to work.

Kentucky hasn’t been great in the red zone, there’s no rushing offense without Chris Rodriguez – he’s expected to be back in October – and the O line is getting star QB Will Levis beaten up.

But …

CFN Expert Picks, Week 4

Why Kentucky Will Win

The Northern Illinois secondary is about to have a bad day – again.

Eastern Illinois took target practice, Tulsa’s Davis Brin went off for 322 yards and four scores, and Vanderbilt was balanced enough to keep everything moving against the pass defense that’s allowing 284 yards per game.

This is where Will Levis comes in.

The world is in love with him as a pro prospect – he has the size and the arm – but he has been just okay. He’s hitting the downfield plays, and he had no problem against Miami University and Youngstown State, but he has thrown four picks and …

Week 4 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

Levis will throw for 300 yards, the Kentucky defense will be terrific, and Northern Illinois won’t be able to keep up.

The Huskies can’t get their defense off the field, and Levis will be happy to contribute with third down conversion after third down conversion.

As always, it won’t always be pretty for the Wildcats, but they’ll have few problems. Also, as always, the final score won’t be quite indicative of just how dominant the performance is.

NFL Expert Picks, Week 3

Kentucky vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Kentucky 38, Northern Illinois 16
Line: Kentucky -25, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Kentucky vs Northern Illinois Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

College coaches all over America this week are raising awareness and research dollars for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder that takes the lives of young men. Fans can donate to Coach To Cure MD online or by texting the word CURE to 501501 to give $25.

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Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 3 game on Saturday, September 17

Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 3, Saturday, September 17


Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 17
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
Record: Vanderbilt (2-1), Northern Illinois (1-1)
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Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois Game Preview

Why Vanderbilt Will Win

The Commodores continue to be solid against the run.

Granted, Hawaii doesn’t run much, and Elon and Wake Forest aren’t all that dangerous on the ground, but the Commodore defensive front has allowed under four yards per carry so far.

Northern Illinois can throw, but the O is at its best when it’s able to grind out the running game and take control between the tackles.

If the Vandy defensive front can make Huskie QB Rocky Lombardi press, and if its own passing game can keep the chains moving against a D that can’t come up with a third down stop, everything will be okay.

CFN Expert Picks, Week 3

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Vandy offense was able to roll against the weak, but struggled last week against Wake Forest, the gashing runs weren’t there and the turnovers were.

The Huskies have only turned the ball over once so far. Penalties have been a wee bit of an issue, and again, third downs have been a big problem, but the defense is making up for issues by taking the ball away and doing a nice job against the run.

Make the Commodores throw, force two turnovers, and NIU will have a shot to pull this off.

Week 3 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

Northern Illinois has to be far, far better in the secondary to do this. Vanderbilt isn’t going to wing it around the yard, but it’ll keep things moving just enough to offset a spotty ground attack.

Neither defense will do anything outstanding, but the NIU O line will come up with a good game, the Commodore defensive front won’t get into the backfield, and the home side of this will make a big difference.

CFN Week 3 Predictions

Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Line

Northern Illinois 34, Vanderbilt 30
Line: Northern Illinois -3, o/u: 58
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
Vanderbilt vs Northern Illinois Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

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Northern Illinois vs Tulsa Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois vs Tulsa game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 2 game on Saturday, September 10

Northern Illinois vs Tulsa prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 10


Northern Illinois vs Tulsa How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 10
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Northern Illinois (1-0), Tulsa (0-1)
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Northern Illinois vs Tulsa Game Preview

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

It wasn’t always pretty, and the team had to hold on, but Northern Illinois managed to get past Eastern Illinois 34-27 with a good offensive balance, no turnovers, and two takeaways.

The running game hasn’t been unleashed yet.

Tulsa didn’t do anything on the ground in the 40-37 double overtime loss at Wyoming, and now it’s up to the defense that bent but didn’t break until late to keep the big plays through the air to a minimum.

As long as the rotation of Huskie backs can keep the chains moving and the clock rolling, everything should work. But …

CFN Expert Picks, Week 2

Why Tulsa Will Win

The Huskies have to get to Davis Brin.

There wasn’t any pass rush against Eastern Illinois, and now NIU has to deal with a quarterback who threw for 460 yards and three touchdowns in Laramie.

Brin was great, three receivers hit the 100-yard mark, and now it’s all going to hammer down on a secondary that came up with two picks last week, but struggled late.

The bigger problem for NIU? Third down defense. It couldn’t get off the field against EIU – it allowed 8-of-12 third down conversions – and Brin was terrific at moving the chains.

Week 2 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

It’s still a bit puzzling how Tulsa lost to Wyoming. It was controlling the game, the passing attack was fantastic, and it couldn’t put it away.

That won’t be a problem this week.

The Northern Illinois ground attack will work better than it did against the Panthers, but it won’t be enough to keep up on the road.

CFN Week 2 Predictions

Northern Illinois vs Tulsa Prediction, Line

Tulsa 34, Northern Illinois 24
Line: Tulsa -6, o/u: 62
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Northern Illinois vs Tulsa Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

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Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Thursday, September 1

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Thursday, September 1


Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois How To Watch

Date: Thursday, September 1
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Northern Illinois (0-0), Eastern Illinois (0-0)
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Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Game Preview

Why Eastern Illinois Will Win

The Panther defense returns enough talent to be much, much better.

Depending on the alignment, 11 starters should return on a D that was terrific at coming up with tackles for loss, was second in the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense, and did a nice job of taking the ball away.

LB Colin Bohanek is a playmaker, the all-star combination of Tim Varga and Jordan Miles will make plenty of things happen up front, and …

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

Eastern Illinois is all but starting over in several ways under new head coach Chris Wilkerson.

The offense that struggled throughout the 1-10 season only returns four starters, it has to find a way to keep the turnovers to a minimum and the chains moving, and that defense that has a ton of experience doesn’t have the bulk to hold up against the Northern Illinois ground game.

The Huskies have one of the best offensive fronts in the MAC, veteran QB Rocky Lombardi and the passing game should have time to work, and the defense that still needs time and seasoning after a rough two years should be able to use this as a true tune-up.

Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Thursday & Friday

What’s Going To Happen

Northern Illinois will come up with enough offensive balance throughout to steadily keep pulling away.

Eastern Illinois has to win the turnover margin by at last three, it needs to find something steady on offense that works, and … that’s not happening.

This will be the game that gives NIU fans hope that the youth movement of last year on defense will payoff big.

All of the CFN Predictions

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Line

Northern Illinois 44, Eastern Illinois 13
Line: Northern Illinois -30.5, o/u: 50
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Must See Rating: 1

5: ‘Billie Jean’
1: Aidan Hutchinson’s rendition of ‘Billie Jean’

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