Northern Illinois at Bowling Green Over/Under Pick

NIU at Bowling Green Betting Analysis & Over/Under Pick | October 12, 2024

Where: Doyt L. Perry Stadium (Bowling Green, OH)
When: Saturday, October 12th at 3:30 PM EST
Watch: ESPN+

Betting Odds

• Bowling Green -3.0
• Over/Under 48.0

This Saturday, all eyes will be on the field as Bowling Green faces off against Northern Illinois in what promises to be a thrilling football game. The Bowling Green Falcons, having shown remarkable resilience throughout the season, will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage and continue their upward trajectory. Their offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a strong running game, has been a force to reckon with. They’ll be aiming to keep the momentum going and secure a crucial win. On the other side, Northern Illinois comes into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Known for their gritty defense and ability to make big plays, they’ll be looking to disrupt Bowling Green’s offensive rhythm. Their defensive line has been particularly impressive, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. This matchup will be a true test of their defensive prowess. Both teams have a lot at stake, making this game pivotal for their respective seasons. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle with plenty of excitement and intensity. As the teams prepare to clash, the anticipation is building for what could be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend. Make sure to tune in and witness the action.

Northern Illinois Huskies: Team Overview

The Northern Illinois Huskies football team enters the weekend with a record of 3-2 on the season and finds themselves sitting in 8th place in the MAC. The highlight of their season has no doubt been their Week 2 victory on the road against Notre Dame, but they quickly dropped two in a row immediately afterwards before beating lowly UMass last weekend. The Huskies have yet to lose a game by more than a touchdown and find themselves 1-1 in MAC play so far. As they hit the road to take on Bowling Green, they are hoping their running game and defense can carry them to victory.

The Huskies are led by quarterback Ethan Hampton, who has had an up-and-down campaign with his passing ability. In a system that vastly prioritizes the run, he has logged three games in which he attempted 20 passes or less. Even so, Hampton has been able to throw for eight touchdowns on the season and has established an ability to pick up chunk yardage through the air, as showcased by the eight receivers on the roster who average over 10 yards per catch. Because of the limited passing volume, leading receiver Grayson Barnes has only accumulated 147 receiving yards on 13 total catches. On the other hand, the Huskies can run the ball prolifically and boast the 18th-ranked rushing attack in the nation, averaging 230.8 yards per game. A two-headed backfield of Antario Brown and Gavin Williams has combined for over 700 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Brown, however, has popped up on the injury report and is questionable to play on Saturday.

The Northern Illinois defense is one of the best and most well-rounded in the entirety of the MAC. They rank 25th in the nation in total yards allowed, as well as 48th against the pass and 29th against the run. They concede an average of 18.8 points per game to their opponents and have held both conference foes to just 20 on the scoresheet. The defense is able to force interceptions and fumbles at a high rate and also has a propensity to disrupt the opposing backfield and sack the quarterback at will.

Bowling Green Falcons: Team Overview

Bowling Green’s football team has shown a balanced approach on both offense and defense this season, making them a formidable opponent. On offense, the Falcons are led by their dynamic quarterback, Connor Bazelak, who has been instrumental in orchestrating the team’s passing game. Bazelak’s ability to read defenses and make precise throws has been a key factor in their success. He has completed passes at a 68.1% clip and averaged 248.6 yards per game. However, Bazelak does struggle at times with ball security and holds a 5 to 4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Complementing him are running backs Terion Stewart and Jaison Patterson, whose explosive speed and agility make them a constant threat on the ground. Patterson and Stewart’s ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage has provided the Falcons with a reliable rushing attack. The receiving corps, featuring standout tight end Harold Fannin, has also been crucial. Fannin’s exceptional route-running and catching ability have made him a favorite target for Bazelak. His knack for making big plays in crucial moments has been a game-changer for the Falcons.

Defensively, Bowling Green has been anchored by linebacker Joseph Sipp. Sipp’s leadership and tackling prowess have been vital in stopping opposing offenses. His ability to read plays and make quick decisions has resulted in numerous key stops. In the secondary, safety CJ Brown has been a standout, consistently shutting down receivers and making critical interceptions. Brown’s speed, coverage skills, and free-roaming ability have been a significant asset to the Falcons’ defense. Bowling Green has three defensive players with three or more sacks on the year, but they will need to improve their turnover margin to have any real success moving forward.

My Pick: Over 48.0 (-110)

This game is tough to pick a winner, and typically when that is the case, these games come down to the wire. The strengths of each offense can easily exploit some shortcomings from the opposing defensive units. While Northern Illinois can run at will, Bowling Green ranks 215th in the nation at defending the run. On the other hand, Bowling Green may be forced to throw the ball more often, which actually plays to their strength. I see this game going well over the total that has been set.

BAS Sportsbook -105 Odds!

BetAnySports is the perfect 5Dimes replacement, offering reduced juice with -105 odds on most markets. If you’re looking to get more value from your bets, this is the sportsbook for you. With the same great features you loved about 5Dimes, BetAnySports provides competitive lines, smooth navigation, and a wide range of betting options. Ready to step up your game? Join now and enjoy -105 odds… Read More