Last Updated on January 2, 2010 7:00 am by drew
International Pick
The Mid-American Conference looks to end its 15-bowl game losing streak Saturday at Noon ET when Northern Illinois takes on South Florida in the 2010 International Bowl from the Rogers Centre.
Bet The International Bowl
Northern Illinois is 7-5 this season and 6-5-1 against the spread. The Huskies lost their final two games of the season to fellow bowl reps Ohio and Central Michigan, and NIU has failed to cover in its last three games.
South Florida is 7-5 on the year and 4-6 against the spread. The Bulls won their first five games of the season, but struggled to a 2-5 finish to the year. South Florida has failed to cover in three of its last four games.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made South Florida 7-point favorites over Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon. The over/under total for this game has been established at 49.
NIU is scoring 30.8 points per-game and the offense has been based mostly on a running attack. Chad Spann has led the way with 945 yards and 19 scores. Chandler Harnish has played well at quarterback in nine games, throwing for 1,540 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Bulls are holding opponents to 21.2 points and 328.8 yards per-game on defense.
USF is scoring 26.4 points per-game on offense. B.J. Daniels has rushed for 798 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing for 1,766 yards and 12 scores. The Huskies are holding opponents to 21.2 points and 325.1 yards per-game this season on defense.
The key to this game will be whether Northern Illinois can keep Daniels from running the ball and force him to be a pocket passer, which he has not been good at. The Huskies are a physical team and not your typical MAC team, as they try to run a very pro-style offense. If Northern Illinois can control the tempo of play and make it a slow-paced game, they should be able to cover. We feel that Daniels has struggled against physical defenses and will in this game. We suggest a pick of the Huskies and the under.
Our International Bowl Free Pick for this matchup is: NORTHERN ILLINOIS +7 and UNDER 49.
College Football Bowl Season Betting Trends
S FLORIDA is 2-0 against the spread versus N ILLINOIS since 1992
S FLORIDA is 1-1 straight up against N ILLINOIS since 1992
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1992
Bowl Season College Football Injury Report
N ILLINOIS
No significant injuries.
S FLORIDA
[K] 09/15/2009 – Maikon Bonani out for season ( Back )
[QB] 09/20/2009 – Matt Grothe out for season ( Knee )
[CB] 11/11/2009 – Tyson Butler out for season ( Leg )
[RG] 12/04/2009 – Zach Hermann out for season ( Neck )
[DE] 12/06/2009 – Craig Marshall is "?" vs No Illinois in the International Bowl ( Knee )
[RB] 12/06/2009 – Aston Samuels is "?" vs No Illinois in the International Bowl ( Abdominal )
[DL] 12/01/2009 – Cory Grissom out for season ( Foot )
[C] 12/17/2009 – Sampson Genus is upgraded to probable vs No Illinois in the International Bowl ( Ankle )
[LB] 12/25/2009 – Kion Wilson is upgraded to probable vs No Illinois in the International Bowl ( Ankle )
[SS] 12/17/2009 – Jerrell Young is upgraded to probable vs No Illinois in the International Bowl ( Ankle )
International Bowl Odds
Northern Illinois Huskies +7 Over 49 (+220)
South Florida Bulls -7 Under 49 (-300)
Bet The International Bowl
Posted: 1/2/10 7:00AM ET