The Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-5, 2-4 MAC West) and Northern Illinois Huskies (4-6, 3-3) play Tuesday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill., at 7:30 p.m. ET.
We analyze the Eastern Michigan-Northern Illinois odds and betting lines while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois: Three things you need to know
1. Northern Illinois makes things dramatic. NIU was cruising along before blowing a 28-7 lead to Toledo last week. Eventually, the Huskies found a way to win on a late field goal 31-28. Eastern Michigan had zero issues with the Akron Zips last Tuesday as it rolled to a 48-14 victory.
2. The opening -7 line has come down all the way to -4.5. Eastern Michigan is seeing nearly 60% of the action and 89% of the money.
3. Eastern Michigan is playing for bowl eligibility and little else. One win gets the Eagles in. Their 2-4 conference record eliminates their chances of going for the MAC Championship. If Northern Illinois wins out and gets some help, it still has a chance at a division crown.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Northern Illinois 31, Eastern Michigan 27
Moneyline (ML)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS carries a -200 moneyline. The Huskies run the ball a hair better than the Eagles with just under 129 yards a game compared to EMU’s 114.7 yards per contest. This Huskies team must establish the run early and often to set up the play-action pass.
Eastern Michigan (+150) must pass, but has to be able to run somewhat to keep NIU honest. The Huskies’ biggest weakness is their rushing defense which was gouged by Central Michigan to the tune of 327 yards just two weeks ago, If Northern Illinois somewhat holds the passing in check, it will win this game.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Northern Illinois is just 6-4 ATS overall and 2-1 ATS at home this year coming in at 7.7 points per game above the cover projections. Eastern Michigan is 3-3 ATS on the road and misses the projection by just 2.2 points per game.
The 4.5-point spread seems in line with what most are predicting. Huskies QB Ross Bowers looked a little better against Toledo, but must play more consistently vs. the Eagles. Our pick is for EASTERN MICHIGAN to cover barely with the -115 number.
New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on EMU +4.5 profits $1 if the Eagles win or don’t lose by 5 points or more.
Over/Under (O/U)
The projected total is 54.5. This will be close but it is hard to trust both defenses fully in this game. Taking a small wager with the OVER (- 106) is our pick.
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