MAC rivals Central Michigan and Northern Illinois open conference play this afternoon with a showdown at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois (3:30pm ET start time, ESPN3). Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Odds have the hosting Huskies listed as a -10 against the spread favorite and the Over/Under set at 58.5 points.
When these two squads met in Mount Pleasant, Michigan last season they combined for 50 first downs and 1150 yards of offense. Central Michigan got the better of things, though, prevailing 48-41 to avenge a 33-7 beating it suffered in DeKalb the previous season.
Despite last year’s result, Northern Illinois is seen as the better team coming into today’s game. The Huskies are riding a three game win streak, recording wins over Tennessee-Martin, Army, and Kansas. However, the Huskies are fortunate to be where they are after three turnovers nearly derailed their effort against the Black Knights and they needed a late rally to dispatch the Jayhawks.
Still, the Chippewas have looked like the inferior through three weeks. Central Michigan won its opener 38-27 over FCS school Southeast Missouri State, but it was handed a 41-7 loss the following weekend by Michigan State.
The Chippewas rebounded last Saturday, though, beating a down Iowa squad 32-31 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
Free Pick: Take Central Michigan +10. The line is skewed here and has already corrected itself some as UNI was a -11.5 yesterday. The correction is not enough, though, as the Chippewas stand a decent chance to win this outright. They have won and covered four of the last five in this series.
Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Odds:
Central Michigan Chippewas +10 (-110), Over 58.5 (-110), +290 (Moneyline)
Northern Illinois Huskies -10 (-110), Under 58.5 (-110), -350 (Moneyline)
College Football Free Picks: Texas at Oklahoma State (VRs Best)
What college football bettors need to know about Texas at Oklahoma St. on Saturday (9/29/12) - a best bet from Pregame.com's Vegas Runner with host Scott Spreitzer.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Check out a Free Saturday College Football Pick from professional handicapper Stephen Nover at the Pregame Forum!