This year's Northern Illinois team is not nearly as good on both sides of the ball, but they are still an elite rushing team. Ohio is not what it used to be and they are 0-2 SU and ATS vs. the MAC West which is a much better division. Actually it's not even close. Ohio lost by 21 and 18 to the other 2 MAC West teams it has faced both are below Northern Illinois in the standings. Collectively if you take all of the MAC East teams they are 3-12 vs. the MAC West and recruiting is a big reason why.

Part of why Ohio is a small favorite is extra time off, home, and a solid run defense ranked 35th overall. However, almost all of their stats are worse in conference play from rushing and passing offense to defense. I would not trust this team at all and even their run defense is a bit misleading as they have only played 2 other teams ranked in the top 50 in rushing offense and lost to both of them. Northern Illinois is ranked 28th in yards per carry and has shown they are even better when playing in conference. I expect them to win this game and move on to Western Michigan. I'm not biting on the look ahead it seems the line has already factored that in. If you are worried at all Northern Illinois defense is giving up an entire yard less per play on the road and Ohio's offense is very bad ranking 84th in yards per play offense.

Where to find Freddy?