Pick details
| MATCHUP | Northern Illinois Huskies | Georgia State Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-3 | 2-1 |
| Spread | +10.5 -112 | -10.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +295 | -375 |
| Total | Over 55.5 (-112) | Under 55.5 (-108) |
| Where | Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA | |
| When | Saturday, September 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Northern Illinois Huskies and the Georgia State Panthers will meet Saturday afternoon in a non-conference matchup at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.
Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview
The Northern Illinois Huskies enter Saturday afternoon’s matchup with an 0-3 overall win-loss record (0-2 mark on the road) after losses to Iowa, Illinois State, and the Arizona Wildcats to begin the 2026 regular season.
The Northern Illinois offense has struggled through three games played in 2026. The Huskies are averaging just 13.7 points per game while producing 256.3 total yards per contest. Northern Illinois has accumulated 188 passing yards (91st in nation) and just 68.3 rushing yards per game.
Turning our attention to the defensive side of the football, Northern Illinois has allowed 36.7 points per game while surrendering 400.7 total yards per contest. Looking closer at data just presented, the Huskies have allowed 242.7 passing yards and 158 rushing yards per game.
Through three games played in 2026, talented quarterback Taron Dickens has compiled 517 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. Junior running back Telly Johnson Jr. has amassed 168 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, five receptions and 15 receiving yards. Senior wide receiver DeAree Rogers has been a major contributor in the receiving department, accumulating a massive 22 receptions and 145 receiving yards.
Georgia State Panthers Betting Preview
The Georgia State Panthers enter Saturday afternoon’s contest with a 2-1 record (1-0 mark at home) after posting victories over North Carolina A&T and Kennesaw State, while losing to the UCF Knights 44-30 last week.
The Georgia State offense has been productive in 2026. Let’s dive into the Georgia State Panthers relevant team data to better shed light on my previous statement. The Panthers are averaging 40 points per game while generating 510.3 total yards per contest. Georgia State has produced 271.3 passing yards and 239 rushing yards per game, showcasing the team’s focus on a balanced offense.
Defensively, Georgia State has allowed 23.7 points per game through three contests. The Panthers are surrendering 157 passing yards and 153.3 rushing yards per game this season.
Senior quarterback Cameran Brown has accumulated 725 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. Brown has also been effective running the football, amassing 94 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in three games played in 2026. Running back Lanear McCrary Jr. has compiled 227 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver D.J. Riles has added 11 receptions and 128 receiving yards. Junior wide receiver Rodshaun Dorsey has also been a major contributor, amassing 11 receptions, 120 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win.
• Enhanced motivation. Northern Illinois enters this matchup seeking its first victory of the season.
• Quality quarterback play. Taron Dickens has thrown for 517 yards and two passing touchdowns.
• Passing game. The Huskies have generated 188 passing yards per game in 2026.
Why the Georgia State Panthers will win.
• Offensive production. Georgia State is averaging a robust 40 points per game this season.
• Offensive balance. The Panthers are averaging 271.3 passing yards and 239 rushing yards per game.
• Home field advantage. Georgia State will play in front of the team’s home crowd at Center Parc Stadium.
• Quarterback play. Cameran Brown has thrown for 725 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Georgia State Panthers Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the Georgia State Panthers covering the 9.5 points. Why? Georgia State enters this contest with a significant offensive advantage, averaging 40 points per game and 510.3 total yards per contest through three games played in 2026. Additionally, quarterback Cameran Brown has played exceptionally well while the rushing attack has generated 239 yards per game.
Conversely, Northern Illinois has struggled on both sides of the football, averaging just 13.7 points per game while allowing 36.7 points per contest. The Huskies have also produced only 68.3 rushing yards per game, which makes sustaining drives difficult against a Georgia State defense that has been solid through three weeks. I am backing the Georgia State Panthers to cover the 9.5 points in this game.
