Last Updated Nov 02, 2022, 10:54 AM
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Predictions, Odds, Picks
The Kent State Golden Flashes host the Northern Illinois Huskies on Wednesday night for MACtion. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN2 from Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio.
Score Prediction
Kent State 33, Northern Illinois 27
Best Bets
Under
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Predictions
Both of these two teams have started the season relatively well and Vegas is expecting a close game with Kent State currently being listed as 3.5 point favorites. These are two very talented run games, and Vegas is clearly expecting points to be scored with the total set at 68.
Combined, these two teams are averaging 59 points per game this season while each allow 65. Both NIU and Kent State have gone over this number in only three of eight total games and I expect that trend to continue. While neither of these teams specialize on the defensive side of the ball, I'm expecting that time of possession to add up and the total finish around 60 points.
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Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Odds
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Resources
- Matchup: MAC
- Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021
- Venue: Dix Stadium
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- TV-Time: ESPN2 - 7:00 p.m. ET
Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Analysis
Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)
- SU: 6-2
- ATS: 5-2-1
- O/U: 4-4
- ATS - Home: 2-1-1
- ATS - Away: 3-1
I wanted to pick Northern Illinois to win this game outright. They are currently leading the MAC in rushing yards and rank 11th in the entire FBS with 232.8 rushing yards per game. Additionally, this team lost to both Michigan and Wyoming but has a very nice upset win against Georgia Tech.
This team also currently possesses the best in conference record. They are 4-0 against their MAC opponents this season and have impressed recently. The Huskies are riding a five-game winning streak after just getting past Central Michigan 39-38 on the road last time out, winning on a flubbed field goal by CMU.
Rocky Lombardi, NIU’s starting quarterback, has definitely had his ups and downs this season. While he only completed 17 passes last week, he did so efficiently throwing for a career high 348 passing yards. He also elevated everyone around him, with receivers Trayvon Rudolph and Tyrice Richie each having over 140 yards.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Analysis
Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)
- SU: 4-4
- ATS: 3-5
- O/U: 2-6
- ATS - Home: 2-1
- ATS - Away: 1-4
The reason I didn't end up taking NIU, and instead choose the total, is because this Kent State team is good. Kent State has won three of its last four games after dropping three of its first four, both of these teams are coming in with some momentum. Kent State just defeated Ohio 34-27 in a fairly close game, coming off a good win should definitely help them in this tough matchup.
For anyone that follows college fantasy, props, or DFS, Dustin Crum is a guy you already know. While he scored two touchdowns last week, the dual threat quarterback accounts for one of the highest ceilings in the country. The guy can get it done both on the ground and through the air, he bleeds fantasy points.
This team was blown out by Western Michigan early in their year 64-31, while its their only conference loss its definitely an ugly one. I'm expecting them to turn things around and play a close game here.
Inside the Stats - Northern Illinois Huskies
- Record: 6-2
- VI Ranking: 73
- Points Scored: 238
- Points Allowed: 252
- PS/G: 29.8 (55th)
- PA/G: 31.5 (104th)
Inside the Stats - Kent State Golden Flashes
- Record: 4-4
- VI Ranking: 92
- Points Scored: 223
- Points Allowed: 267
- PS/G: 29.1 (67th)
- PA/G: 33.4 (113th)
Key Players to Watch
- NIU: Rocky Lombardi - QB (100/173, 1,321 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT)
- NIU: Harrison Waylee - WB (101 carries, 574 yards, 4 TD)
- KENT: Dustin Crum - QB (137/220, 1,770 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT)
- KENT: Dante Cephas - WR (50 catches, 683 yards, 6 TD)
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Conclusion
This game's spread feels like it should be a pick’em. Both of these teams have talent, especially on offense, and I think we could very well see either one take the gold. If I were betting the spread, I think NIU +3.5 is a good bet and I definitely don't mind a sprinkle on the moneyline. MACtion is back and I'm excited to see these two teams go at it.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Trends
- Kent State has seen the favorite cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 games.
- NIU has gone OVER the point total in six of its last seven games when facing a school from Ohio.
- The point total has gone UNDER in three of the last four meetings.
- NIU has won five straight games when facing Kent State.
