Western Illinois vs NIU Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

In this article we will formulate a Western Illinois vs NIU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup. 

Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Preview

The Western Illinois Leathernecks went 0-11 (0-8) last year and they finished last in the Missouri Valley. Western Illinois opened the 2023 season with a 58-21 loss at New Mexico State, which was their only FBS game of the season. WIU really struggled on both sides of the ball and they allowed at least 34 points in 10 of their 11 games. On the offensive side of the ball, the Leathernecks scored seven points or fewer in their last six games of the season. 

Western Illinois was one of the worst teams in the FCS last season and they have a lot of work to do if they want to be competitive this season. The Leathernecks have a new head coach and a new starting quarterback, but they do return eight starters on the defense, so they should be slightly improved this year. 

NIU Huskies Betting Preview

The NIU Huskies were 7-6 (5-3) last season and they finished second in the MAC West Division behind Toledo. NIU opened the 2023 season with a 27-24 overtime win against Boston College, but they lost the next four games against Southern Illinois, Nebraska, Tulsa, and Toledo. The Huskies won the next three games and allowed 14 points or fewer in all three, but they finished the season by going 2-2. NIU did make the Camellia Bowl, where they defeated Arkansas State by a score of 21-19. 

NIU will be starting a new quarterback this year, as Rocky Lombardi is finally gone, but most of the receiving production does return, which will be a big help. On the ground, the Huskies return their leading rusher from last season and add a transfer from Iowa for depth. Defensively, NIU had a very solid season last year, but they need to find more of a pass rush to continue the success. 

Why Northern Illinois will cover against Western Illinois

• Northern Illinois has won each of its last three games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Northern Illinois’ last six games at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northern Illinois ranked T30th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (5.9).
• Northern Illinois ranked 30th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (10.6).

Western Illinois vs NIU Prediction 

NIU opened the 2023 season with a great performance against Boston College and they will hope for an easier victory here. The Huskies have some valuable pieces returning this year, but the quarterback position is a question mark. Western Illinois was absolutely terrible last season and while I do think the defense will be better, I can’t trust them against a FBS team. Take NIU to win this game in a blowout. 

David Racey's Pick: NIU -34.5