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College Football Betting Preview: Central Michigan (7-2) at Northern Illinois (5-4)

November 12, 2008

The Central Michigan Chippewas will try to remain undefeated in Mid-American Conference action when they battle the Northern Illinois Huskies this Wednesday night at Huskie Stadium. The Chippewas are again one of the powers in the MAC, and head into this matchup riding a five-game winning streak. The last time CMU was on the field the team grabbed a thrilling, 37-34 victory over Indiana on the road. Since the beginning of the 2006 season, the Chippewas have dominated other league opponents, posting a sensational 20-2 ledger. As for the Huskies, they saw their three-game winning streak come to an end with a rough 45-14 setback to Ball State. NIU is a mediocre 5-4 on the season, but four of those five wins have come at Huskie Stadium. After going 1-6 in league play this past season, the Huskies have performed much better against conference foes, collecting a 4-2 record. Last year the Chippewas snapped a nine-game losing skid against the Huskies with a 35-10 victory. The recent win also pushed CMU's lead in the all-time series to 22-20-1.

The Chippewas' success offensively is due to a passing attack that is averaging 289.1 ypg. Overall this unit is producing 408.2 total ypg, and that has led to 28.2 ppg. Dan LeFevour, who was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year last season, has struggled with injuries this year, but still has thrown for 1,619 yards and 11 scores against just three interceptions. However, when LeFevour has been unable to go, Brian Brunner has done a commendable job in his place, completing over 60 percent of his throws for 981 yards and six scores. The last time CMU was on the field the Chippewas once again relied on the pass, as Brunner threw for 485 yards and four touchdowns en route to the three-point win over Indiana. Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown were very busy in the win, as Anderson hauled in nine passes for 132 yards and one score, while Brown grabbed seven balls for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Central Michigan is 7-2 on the year the defense has been extremely weak, surrendering 411.1 total ypg, and that has led to 28.0 ppg. CMU has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns, but the defensive backfield has been the real problem, as teams are torching CMU for 272.1 ypg through the air. The defense has only forced 12 turnovers on the year, but fortunately the squad has enjoyed success rushing the passer, and come into this matchup with 24 sacks.In the three-point victory over Indiana, the Chippewas struggled defensively, surrendering 485 total yards, including 272 yards and four scores on the ground. Nick Bellore led the way with 12 tackles in the win, while Mark Dietz collected three sacks.

Just like their counterpart, the Huskies are a one-trick pony offensively. However, unlike CMU, the Huskies' success has been their ground game, which is churning out 181.6 ypg. Overall, Northern Illinois comes into this matchup averaging just 333.4 total ypg, but that has led to 25.8 ppg. What makes this rushing attack dangerous is the fact that NIU does not possess a main running back. Me'co Brown is leading the team with 481 rushing yards, while Chad Spann is next in line with 274 yards and five scores. Eight different players have scored at least one of the team's 16 rushing TDs, making it hard for any opponent to key on one player. The last time NIU was on the field the team rumbled for 160 yards, but still fell to Ball State, 45-14. Quarterback Chandler Harnish, who threw for just 115 yards, also paced the team with 59 rushing yards and one score. Ricky Crider added 40 yards and a touchdown, while Brown and Spann combined for just 30 yards.

What has helped the Huskies this season is their effort defensively, as the unit is limiting opponents to just 296.3 total ypg, and that has led to a mere 17.1 ppg. Northern Illinois has done well against the run, holding teams to just 118.2 ypg and only six rushing TDs. Unfortunately this unit has been unable to make many big plays, as the squad has forced just 15 turnovers, while recording a mere 15 sacks. The defense however, was no match for Ball State, as the Huskies surrendered 529 total yards in the 31-point loss. The team allowed 310 yards through the air, and surprisingly suffered against the run, surrendering 219 yards on 5.5 ypc. Josh Allen paced the team in the setback with eight tackles, while David Bryant tallied seven stops to go along with one TFL.

The Huskies have done well against the run, but the Chippewas' offense is designed around the passing attack, and that should cause plenty of problems for NIU's defense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Central Michigan 34, Northern Illinois 27

-- SportsNetwork