Northern Illinois opened its 2012 season with a 17-18 loss at Iowa; however, fortunately for the Huskies, that setback was not a sign of things to come. UNI went on to win its next 11 regular season games and it topped MAC East winner Kent State 44-37 to secure a spot in the Orange Bowl opposite Florida State. The Huskies lost to the Seminoles 31-10, but they headed into the game without their head coach as Dave Doeren accepted the North Carolina State job following the MAC Championship. Doeren's bowl replacement, offensive coordinator Rod Carey, takes over full time this season and he has plenty of talent with which to work. That has not been lost on the odds makers at 5Dimes, who have installed Northern Illinois as a -160 favorite to win the MAC West and +135 favorite to lasso its third straight MAC title. 2013 College Football Predictions at the offshore book are also favoring the Huskies to win Over 9.5 games at -155 odds ($155 wins $100).
Northern Illinois, which opens at Iowa again, can thank the scheduling gods for their kindness as it avoids every foreseeable threat out of the East with the exception of Kent State. The Huskies also host Ball State, which makes their most difficult conference outing (arguably) a November 20th showdown with the Rockets in Toledo.
While nothing in college football is guaranteed, UNI's soft slate certainly puts it in prime position to replicate last year's conference success.
Northern Illinois Huskies 2013 College Football Predictions:
Northern Illinois Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship +75000
Northern Illinois Odds to win the 2013 MAC Championship +135 (one of 13)
Northern Illinois Odds to win the MAC West Division -160 (one of six)
Northern Illinois Regular Season Wins: Over 9.5 (-155), Under 9.5 (+115)
Northern Illinois 2013 Schedule:
8/31 at Iowa
9/14 at Idaho
9/21 Eastern Illinois
9/28 at Purdue
10/5 at Kent State
10/12 Akron
10/19 at Central Michigan
10/26 Eastern Michigan
11/2 at Massachusetts
11/13 Ball State
11/20 at Toledo
11/26 Western Michigan
NFL and College Football Betting Tips from Pregame Pro Fezzik
Published on Aug 9, 2013
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