The Northern Illinois Huskies (4-5) take on the Ball State Cardinals (2-7) at home on Tuesday night in a battle of MAC foes. NIU is 3-2 in conference play, but they did just lose to Central Michigan on the road, 37-31. The Cardinals are 1-4 in the MAC, and they fell to Bowling Green State last week, 24-21.
Will Ball State finally get their first road victory, or will the Huskies take care of business?
Let the battle begin…
Tomorrow vs. BSU 🌾| 6CT ⏰| CBSSN 📺 #MACtion | #TheHardWay 🤘🏽🐾 pic.twitter.com/DrdXro7FGE
— NIU Football (@NIU_Football) November 6, 2023
Ball State vs Northern Illinois Betting Odds and Match Details
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
| Ball State | +10 (-110) | Over 43.5 (-105) | +300 |
| Northern Illinois | -10 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-115) | -380 |
Odds Courtesy of DraftKings, subject to change*
- Fixture: Ball State vs Northern Illinois
- Date and Time: November 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, Illinois
- Weather Forecast: Partially Cloudy, 47 degrees
Key Stats
Ball State
- Points Per Game: 16.7
- Points Allowed Per Game: 28.4
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 35.14%
- 4th Down Efficiency: 42.86%
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 149.6
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 5.5
- Passing TDs: 7
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 144.1
- Rushing TDs: 10
- Sacks: 18
- Interceptions: 3
The Cardinals are a run-heavy school, ranking 63rd in the nation with 35.9 rushing attempts per game and 105th in passing attempts per game (27.0). Defensively, Ball State is solid, especially against their run, but their ineptitude on offense explains their 2-7 record.
Northern Illinois
- Points Per Game: 25.0
- Points Allowed Per Game: 23.0
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 36.79%
- 4th Down Efficiency: 46.15%
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 201.3
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 6.6
- Passing TDs: 12
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 160.6
- Rushing TDs: 15
- Sacks: 17
- Interceptions: 9
The Huskies have excelled at running the ball, as they are ranked 38th in yards per rushing attempt (4.7). They haven’t thrown the ball as much, but usually, the run game is effective enough.
On defense, NIU is great versus the pass, allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards in college football. They haven’t had the same success versus opponents’ ground attack, so we’ll see if they can handle the Cardinals’ run-centered game plan.
Game Prediction
Ball State has really struggled on the road, but they have covered each of their past three games. NIU is the clear favorite, but the Cardinals match up well, and the Huskies just lost to Central Michigan, a team they should’ve easily handled. Take the Cardinals and the points here.
Final Pick:
Ball State +10 (-110)
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About the Author
Lucas Abrenica has worked as a sports betting writer for over three years, with the aim of helping both experienced and casual sports bettors in their decision-making. He uses his own personal background as a bettor to help guide the information and advice in his articles.
