Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Northwestern should be 2-0.

It had Duke all but finished, but gave up a late field goal and then didn’t come through in double overtime of a 26-20 loss. Before the trip to Washington to start the Big Ten season, it needs to find its offense.

Eastern Illinois is coming off a win over Indiana State, but got thumped by Illinois 45-0 to start the season.

Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois Preview

Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL
How to Watch: BTN
Northwestern (2-0), Eastern Illinois (1-1)
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Why Eastern Illinois Will Win

Northwestern hasn’t found its offense.

It moved the ball relatively well in the opening win over Miami University, but only put up 13 points. The passing game didn’t click against Duke, and it’s been a struggle to move the chains.

Eastern Illinois has to bring the pressure. The defensive front isn’t bad at getting into the backfield, it has to provide a lot of pop, and it has to hope the new Wildcat quarterback struggles.

Why Northwestern Will Win

The Wildcat coaching staff gets the the offense isn’t moving.

It wasn’t Mike Wright’s fault that the attack isn’t working - the ground game hasn’t provided enough help, and MU and Duke have good defenses - but the switch has been made to Jack Lausch.

The completion percentage has to be a bit better - as long as he’s hitting 60%, things will be fine - but this is about the ground attack. It has yet to get past 150 yards, and that’s happening this week because …

Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois: Who Will Win

Eastern Illinois got hammered on for 244 rushing yards against Illinois, and Northwestern will get to at least 200.

In the most beautiful setting in college football, Northwestern will finally show the fans in the makeshift stadium a little bit of scoring.

Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Northwestern 34, Eastern Illinois 3
Line: Northwestern -24.5, o/u: 36.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois Must See Rating: 1.5