It is been a very long time since Northern Illinois beat Western Michigan. The team then lost four of its last six games and was no longer in the running for the MAC title.
But there is still a chance to make a fuss, win two games, and then bowl. What a tough choice! There is a date at Miami University, and that falls between home games against Akron and Central Michigan.
All of a sudden, Western Michigan is the best team in the MAC. It is 4-0, but now the tough games begin. They have to go on the road to play Bowling Green and Central Michigan before ending the regular season against Eastern Michigan.
Northern Illinois vs Western Michigan: How to Watch and Game Preview
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN2
Venue: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI
Teams: Northern Illinois (4-4), Western Michigan (5-3)
Why Western Michigan Will Win
The offense for Western Michigan is working great. It is a big deal that they are No. 1 in the conference in points scored, yards gained, and turnovers lost. Playing all the weak teams in the conference helps.
Northern Illinois cares about the turnover margin. Ball State went -4 last week, and it was -4 against NFC State. Both games were close losses, and Northern Illinois has not been able to come up with a takeaway in the last two games.
When they get to 300 yards or more, Western Michigan is 5-0, and…
Why Northern Illinois Will Win
The defense at Northern Illinois is great.
The pass rush is great, and the defense is the best in the MAC at stopping the run. It also has the best scoring defense, giving up only 17.6 points per game. When it comes to getting to 300 yards, WMU is great. Only two teams, besides Notre Dame, were able to do that.
Once more, the Huskies’ run defense is very important. Western Michigan is 5-0 when its average yards per carry are more than 4.7 and 0-3 when it isn’t. That is important because…
Northern Illinois vs Western Michigan: Who Will Win?
Not a single team has been able to run for more than 4.4 yards, and Notre Dame is the only one who has done so.
While the Huskies may not be very consistent on offense, the Broncos will be up against the toughest defense they have seen in weeks.
The game will be close and not score many points. Northern Illinois will have more time of possession, but the Broncos will win in the end at home.
Northern Illinois vs Western Michigan Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction : Western Michigan 27, Northern Illinois 24
Line : Northern Illinois -2, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5 : 2
Must See Rating: 3
