Northern Illinois vs. Utah Prediction
Can No. 13 Utah pick up another cover over a physical team when the Utes host Northern Illinois today at 1PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
325 Northern Illinois vs. 326 Utah
Saturday, September 7, 2019
1PM ET – Rice-Eccles Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Utah is the clear favorite in this game, as the Utes are getting odds of -21.5 points against Northern Illinois. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 44 points. The public betting currently has 61 percent going on Utah as the favorite at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Utes too much for BYU
Utah had a really solid win on the road to open the season last weekend, beating BYU 30-12. The Utes were only a 5-point favorite coming into the game, but they pulled away in the second half to get a cover. They also went under the 49-point total.
The Utes were able to contain BYU with their defense, limiting the Cougars to 300 yards of offense while forcing three turnovers. Utah wasn’t overwhelming on offense, posting up just 368 yards of total offense, but the Utes did rush for 262 yards. Zack Moss was impressive, rushing for 187 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. Tyler Huntley didn’t have to do much under center, but he was efficient. Huntley threw for 106 yards on 13 of 16 passing. Mike Tafua led the Utah defense with four tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
Huskies cover in opener
Northern Illinois opened up its season with a 24-10 win over Illinois State last weekend. The Huskies were a 7-point favorite at home, giving them the cover. They went under the 42.5-point total.
The Huskies won with defense last weekend, holding Illinois state to just 238 total yards and only 51 rushing yards. However, the NIU offense was a concern. Usually known for a ground game, the Huskies had just 90 rushing yards. Tre Harbison rushed for 99 yards on 23 carries, but the rest of the team lost nine yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Ross Bowers led the offense with 299 passing yards and two touchdowns while Tyrice Richie caught three passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Utah
The Utes are 18-7 against the spread in their last 25 non-conference games, but just 1-5 ATS in their last six games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Northern Illinois
The Huskies are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 road games and 5-1 ATS in their last six games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Prediction:
Utah was able to overwhelm BYU in the second half and cruise to a cover on the road. Today, I expect a little more from the Utah offense at home. Northern Illinois is a physical team, but Utah is bigger and faster and does what NIU does, only better. The Huskies struggled to run the ball against Illinois State, so it is going to struggle to run against Utah. The Huskies don’t have enough passing weapons to overcome a lack of a running game.
College Football Week 2 Prediction: Utah -21.5
Related: Northern Illinois vs. Utah Total Prediction