Northern Illinois Huskies vs Bowling Green Falcons
I hope that everyone reading this tuned in last week for Northern Illinois’ win over Toledo. For me it was the most entertaining game I have seen since Baylor vs TCU in week 1. It was a big one too as UNI took control in the MAC West.
Doyt Perry Stadium – Bowling Green, OH
Tuesday November 8 – 8:00PM
Moneyline: Northern Illinois -220, Bowling Green +220
Spread (ATS): Northern Illinois -5.5
Over/Under: 65.5
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
Northern Illinois
All they have to do is keep pace with Toledo to maintain their advantage, however, a third road game in a row could be challenging.
The Huskies may be finally living up to preseason expectations this season. Senior QB Chandler Harnish was outstanding last week in leading UNI to the upset road victory. The Huskies scored 63 points with Harnish rushing for more than 130 yards while tossing 6 TD passes. The defense gave up 60 points in the victory so clearly there is room for improvement, but, it was also just one of those games where neither defense really stood a chance.
Northern Illinois is looking great to land in the MAC championship game again this year. This is the Huskies last real hurdle as they finish the season at home with two games in which they should be heavily favoured. The Huskies have won the last two in the series but these guys haven’t played each other since 2008 and back to 2004 before that.
Bowling Green
After a 3-1 start the Bowling Green Falcons have been having a tough time. With only three games to go they are hoping to get bowl eligible but they are going to have to pull an upset either this week or next week against Ohio for that to happen. Neither seems all that likely so coach Dave Clawson will be feeling the heat as the season comes to a close. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
It will be tough road but Bowling Green actually has a chance in the bunched up MAC East. If they can run the table there is an outside chance they could actually play in the title game. To make that happen they have to get more out of the offense and that means more out of QB Matt Schilz. Just a sophomore he shows glimpes of potential but he needs to be at a higher level of efficiency for the team to succeed.
One thing in favour of Bowling Green is that the home team is 12-4 in this series. The big problem is they are brutal at defending the run and the Huskies are one of the better rushing teams in the country. I don’t see the Falcons defense being able to hold up for a whole game even though they have more beef in the middle (two 290lbers) than most MAC teams.
ATS Pick: Northern Illinois -5.5
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Northern Illinois 48 – Bowling Green 31
