Northern Illinois Favored in Saturday's MAC Showdown with Akron Zips

Game outlook

This Saturday, the Northern Illinois Huskies (1-4, 0-1 MAC) and the Akron Zips (1-4, 0-1 MAC) will face off in the Mid-American Conference game at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio. Northern Illinois opened this season with a victory over Boston College, but has since lost each of its last four games. Akron's only victory was also against Morgan State in Week 4, but has lost their last three games. Northern Illinois does not have any players listed on their injury report, however Akron quarterback DJ Irons has been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. Northern Illinois is currently the favored opening team at -3.5 and the line currently stands at Northern Illinois -6.5.

Game Info

When: Saturday, 10/7/2023 @ 3:30pm EST

Where: Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium Stadium Huskies vs Zips Betting Odds Moneyline: Huskies -235 | Zips +195

Spread: Huskies -6.5 (-110) | Zips +6.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 43 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Northern Illinois will win straight-up is 70%.

Northern Illinois Huskies

The Northern Illinois Huskies have scored an average of 19.2 points per game, ranking them 119th in the nation. They additionally average 317.2 yards of total offense per game, encompassing 121.6 yards of rushing and 195.6 yards of passing on average. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi has 824 passing yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions, with backup Ethan Hampton at 147 yards and two touchdowns to two interceptions. Leading the ground game is Antario Brown with 336 yards and a single touchdown, while Kacper Rutkiewicz has caught 19 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. The Huskies are also allowing an average of 26.0 points per game and 347.6 yards of total offense, with 176.2 yards of rushing and 171.4 yards passing to opponents. Though their defense against the pass ranks 16th, their defense against the run is 108th, which often gives opponents the incentive to use the ground game. Defensive end Raishein Thomas is the leading tackler with 30, while the leader in quarterback sacks is end George Gumbs with 2.5. Petherwise, Northern Illinois has 10 sacks and three interceptions with three separate players tackling one interception each. At a power ranking of 93, Northern Illinois is ranked 127th for offense and 65th for defense. They are currently 1-4 overall (2-3 ATS). Average of 19.2 points per game (119th in nation) 317.2 yards of total offense per game 121.6 yards rushing and 195.6 yards passing per game Rocky Lombardi has 824 yards passing with three touchdowns and four interceptions Ethan Hampton has 147 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions Antario Brown has 336 yards rushing and one touchdown Kacper Rutkiewicz has caught 19 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown 26.0 points allowed per game (77th) 347.6 yards of total offense allowed (53rd) 176.2 yards rushing allowed and 171.4 yards passing allowed Rais