2011 Northern Illinois Huskies Gambling Odds | Predictions

2011-2012 Football Previews – MAC Conference – Northern Illinois Huskies

The Northern Illinois Huskies were the dominant team in the MAC last year. The Huskies went unbeaten in the MAC regular season action.

Mid American Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Northern Illinois Huskies
Head Coach: Dave Doeren
2010 Record: 11-3
Northern Illinois Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +15,000 (Part of Field)
Northern Illinois Odds from JustBet to win MAC Championship: +200
Northern Illinois Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>

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They were upset by Miami in the MAC Championship Game, but they bounced back with a big win over Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl.

Jerry Kill left the school to take the top job at Minnesota, so now it is up to Dave Doeren to keep this program at the top of the MAC.

Northern Illinois lost MAC Player of the Year Chad Spann, but they do return star quarterback Chandler Harnish and lots of other weapons. This was the best rushing attack in the conference by a mile in 2010, and most of the pieces are still in place for this to be a dominating ground attack again in 2011.

Despite the loss of their head coach and top runner, Northern Illinois is expected to win the MAC in 2011. Can they meet those high expectations?

Team Strengths:

Chandler Harnish is absolutely a star at the quarterback position, and it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he wins the MAC Player of the Year award this season. Harnish is a great runner, but he is a much better passer than most people realize. Harnish threw 21 touchdown passes and just five interceptions last season. He ran for 836 yards and eight touchdowns.

Expect a huge year from Harnish.

The offensive line was absolutely dominating in 2010, and they should be even better in 2011. All five starters are back from a year ago, and this group is great in every facet of the game. Northern Illinois allowed less than one sack per game last year, and they are easily the best in the MAC at opening up running lanes.

This line will dominate their opponents on a consistent basis this year.

The linebackers are the strength of the defense. Northern Illinois will play without Devon Butler, who is recovering from gunshot wounds. Butler does appear to be recovering well, but he will take a medical redshirt. The Huskies still have a wealth of talent at this position.

Pat Schiller missed last year with an injury, but he will be back to lead this group in 2011. Jordan Delegal is a tremendous prospect, and I expect him to make some noise this year.

Team Weaknesses:

Northern Illinois lost both of their starting cornerbacks from last year. The Huskies were solid against the pass last year, but they’ll have a lot of inexperience in the secondary this season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

These youngsters will probably need a bit of a learning curve this year.

Special teams play must improve if they wish to beat the best teams on their schedule. Northern Illinois finished 105th in punting last year, and they must replace a solid placekicker from a year ago. The kickoff coverage team was terrible last season.

If the Huskies are constantly losing the field position battle, they are bound to lose some games they should have won.

2011-2012 Northern Illinois Football Prediction: 12-2

Northern Illinois should be the best team in the MAC again this year. There is only one game on their schedule that I believe they will be a underdog in, and that is their matchup with Wisconsin. The opener against Army could be a little tricky, and the game at Toledo could decide the MAC West title.

Look for the offensive line to wear down the opposition on a consistent basis. I’m picking Northern Illinois to win the MAC Championship Game this season.

2011 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule

9/3/11 12:00 PM ET ARMY
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET @KANS
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET @WISC
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET CALPY
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET @CMICH
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET KENST
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET WMICH
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET @BUFF
11/1/11 7:00 PM ET @TOL
11/8/11 8:00 PM ET @BGREN
11/15/11 8:00 PM ET BALST
11/25/11 12:00 PM ET EMICH