Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

With Notre Dame up next, Northern Illinois needs every minute of warm-up time against a Western Illinois team coming off a rough 0-11 season.

Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois Preview

Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL
How to Watch: ESPN+
2023 Records: Northern Illinois (7-6), Western Illinois (0-11)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions

Why Western Illinois Will Win

The Leathernecks have nothing to do but go up after last year’s miserable season. As long as they can get anything going on the ground, they might make this interesting. Northern Illinois couldn’t stop the run last year and will need some time to get the parts in place, but …

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

That’s what a game against Western Illinois is for. The lines still aren’t there, the offensive pop is lacking, and most of all, the defense will once again have a rough time against the run. Northern Illinois should be able to run as much as it wants to.

Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois: Who Will Win

The Huskies won’t exactly be able to call their shot, but they’ll put up a huge number right away and coast through the second half.

Traditionally the Huskies struggle against FCS teams - they lost to Southern Illinois 14-11 last season. That won’t be a problem this time.

Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Northern Illinois 48, Western Illinois 13
Line: Northern Illinois -34.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1
Northern Illinois vs Western Illinois Must See Rating: 1

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