NIU at Michigan: 9/18/21 College Football Picks and Prediction

The Northern Illinois Huskies and Michigan Wolverines face off on Saturday in a Week 3 college football showdown at Michigan Stadium. These two teams last faced off in September of 2005 and it was Michigan that came away with the 33-17 victory. 

The Michigan Wolverines have gotten out to a fast start to their season winning their first two games. In the last game against Washington, they really impressed on a national stage winning 31-10. At halftime, Michigan was up only 10-0, but in the second half they really took off as they cruised to the victory. Cade McNamara had a big game in the first game against Western Michigan, but in the last game it was a run-first game plan, and McNamara only threw for 44 yards. Blake Corum had a big game rushing 21 times for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Hassan Haskins also had 27 rushing attempts for 155 yards and a touchdown. The Wolverines defense is giving up only 12 points per game, and they need that to be a strength again in this game. 

On the other side of this matchup is the Northern Illinois Huskies who come into this game with a 1-1 record. Northern Illinois won their first game by a point over Georgia Tech, before losing their last game 50-43 against Wyoming. Northern Illinois almost made the comeback against Wyoming outsourcing them 21-8 in the 4th quarter but it wasn’t enough as they fell just short. Under center for Northern Illinois is former Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi who threw for 233 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. The interceptions were an issue with the Spartans and it seems the same is true with Northern Illinois. Running back Harrison Waylee rushed 26 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns. 

AUTHOR: Shane Mickle

To Be Continued...