Notre Dame (1-0) vs NIU (1-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm (Notre Dame Stadium)
Betting Odds: Notre Dame -28.5 / NIU +28.5 --- Over/Under: 47.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Northern Illinois Huskies and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet in week 2 college football action from Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Northern Illinois vs. Notre Dame prediction.
Northern Illinois Recap
The Northern Illinois Huskies come into this one looking to build on their season-opening 54-15 beatdown win over Western Illinois last time out. After this game, the Huskies will head home to start MAC play against Buffalo.
Hampton Shows Out Vs. WIU
Ethan Hampton threw for 328 yards and 5 touchdowns on 18 of 20 passing while Antario Brown led the Huskies with 69 rushing yards on 8 carries. Trayvon Rudolph added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown while Jaylen Poe and Justin Lynch each had 42 rushing yards with Poe adding a touchdown. Gavin Williams chipped in 41 rushing yards and Jalen Macon added 27 rushing yards with a touchdown. The aforementioned Rudolph led NIU’s receivers with 104 receiving yards and a touchdown on 4 receptions while Grayson Barnes had a team-high 5 grabs for 95 yards and a TD. Cam Thompson, Dane Pardridge, and Keyshaun Pipkin each had a touchdown grab as well for the Huskies in the win. On defense, Roy Williams led the way with 6 total tackles and a sack.
Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win
- Northern Illinois has won each of its last four games.
- Northern Illinois has covered the spread in each of its last five road openers.
- Notre Dame has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home games in September.
Notre Dame Recap
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish come into this game looking to build on their season-opening road win over Texas A&M by a final score of 23-13. After this game, the Irish will head on the road to West Lafayette for an in-state rivalry game against Purdue.
Run Game Steals Show For Irish
Riley Leonard threw for 158 yards on 18 of 30 passing while also rushing for 63 yards. Jeremiyah Love led the Irish on the ground with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown while Jadarian Price added 44 rushing yards and a TD. Beaux Collins had a team-high 62 receiving yards on 5 receptions as well in the win. On defense, Jack Kiser led the Irish with 8 total tackles while Howard Cross III had a sack in the win. Adon Shuler and Xavier Watts each had an interception as well in the victory for the Irish.
Why the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will win
- Notre Dame has won 19 of its last 20 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northern Illinois has lost seven of its last eight games in September.
- Notre Dame has covered the spread in each of its last four games.
Northern Illinois Vs. Notre Dame Prediction
I’m looking at the under here. I don’t think that Hampton’s going to be as efficient against this Notre Dame defense this week, but I’m also not all that high on this spot for Notre Dame coming off of the huge win against the Aggies on the road last week, now heading home for a game against Northern Illinois. I think this is just going to be a lower-scoring matchup, so give me the under here.
Chris’s Pick Under 47.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Mitch's Take...
