Western Michigan vs. Northern Illinois – Betting Preview and Expert Pick

Western Michigan Broncos (4-6 SU, ATS 6-3) vs Northern Illinois Huskies (4-6 SU, ATS 3-5)

Date: Tuesday, November 14th

Location: Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL

TV: ESNU

Point Spread: WMU +5/NIU -5 (Double your bankroll with a sportsbook promo code!)

Money Line: W. Mich +171/N. Ill -212

Over/Under: 55

The Western Michigan Broncos and Northern Illinois Huskies matchup in a Mid-American showdown at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, IL. The over/under for this matchup is currently 55, while Northern Illinois is favored by -5.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

Northern Illinois took the most recent game between the teams, picking up the 24-21 win over Western Michigan. Both sides struggled to move the ball through the air, with Northern Illinois finishing the game with 133 compared to Northern Illinois’ 185.

Western Michigan Broncos Recent Form:

After beating Central Michigan in their most recent game, the Western Michigan Broncos moved to 4-6 for the season.

Heading into the game, Western Michigan was the betting favorite at 3.5 and picked up an ATS win. Together, the teams scored 66 points, resulting in a hit for the over.

Hayden Wolff had a passer rating of 114.7 while throwing for 333 against Central Michigan. He attempted 36 passes and achieved a completion percentage of 69.4% during the game.

The top rusher for Western Michigan against Central Michigan was Jalen Buckley. He gained 117 rushing yards and scored two times in 23 attempts. Western Michigan’s most productive receiver in the game was Kenneth Womack, who finished with 135 on 12 receptions.

Western Michigan’s defense gave up 418 yards of offense vs. Central Michigan. In the passing game, they allowed 205 yards while on the ground they gave up 213 yards. In terms of passing yards allowed per game, Western Michigan’s defense is ranked 65th. Opponents, on average, attempt 31.5 passes against the Broncos. They are allowing 32.3 PPG, which places them 131st in college football. Their rush defense ranks 83rd in the NCAA.

Away Injury Report

Northern Illinois Huskies Recent Form:

Northern Illinois has an overall record of 4-6 as they prepare for this game. In their most recent game, they faced Ball State and were unable to secure a win, resulting in a 20-17 loss the Cardinals.

Leading up to the game, Northern Illinois was favored to win by 9.5, handing them an ATS and straight-up defeat. The under ended up hitting as the line going into the game was 43.5.

Quarterback Rocky Lombardi didn’t manage to throw a touchdown pass in the team’s loss against Ball State, but he did contribute one touchdown while achieving a completion percentage of 57.7% and 141 passing yards overall.

Antario Brown carried the ball 18 times vs. Ball State and led the team with 73 yards on the ground and did not run for a touchdown in the game. In the passing game, Trayvon Rudolph finished with a team-high 57 receiving yards while averaging 9.5 yards per reception.

The Huskies’ defense finished the game by giving up 301 total yards to Ball State. The team’s run defense allowed 186 yards rushing compared to 115 in the passing game. The Huskies’ defense comes into the game with 17 sacks and ranked 1st in QB hurries. In terms of points allowed, they are giving up 22.7 points per game (83rd). When it comes to defending the pass, they are ranked 16th in the NCAA, allowing an average of 154.4 passing yards per game. Additionally, Northern Illinois’ run defense comes in allowing 170.6 rushing yards per contest.

Home Injury Report

Betting Trends

• Looking at Western Michigan’s ten most recent road games, they have put together a record vs. the spread of 7-3.
• Northern Illinois is 6-4 in their last ten home games.
• Northern Illinois is 8-2 in their last ten games as underdogs.
• When favored, Western Michigan has gone 8-2 vs. the spread (last 10).

Free Pick

NIU has been a terrible bet when laying points this season failing to cover in five of the six games in that situation. They’re in that role again tonight as a -4.5 home favorite, but they do have some things in their favor. The Huskies have out yarded their competition in five straight. They’re 3-1 at home versus the MAC and they match up well against tonight’s opponent the WMU. Take NIU -4.5