Northern Illinois vs. Utah Total Pick
The total is set very low for No. 13 Utah’s game at home against Northern Illinois this Saturday at 1PM ET. Is the total too low for this clash?
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 -22 points against Northern Illinois. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 43.5 points. The public betting currently has 52 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.
Huskies grind out win
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.
Utes roll at 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.
College Football Betting Trends
Northern Illinois
The Huskies have hit the under in eight of their last 10 games in September and in nine of their last 13 games on fieldturf.
Utah
Utah has hit the over in four straight home games and in six of its last seven against a winning team.
Prediction:
This game is a similar matchup for both teams, as they face a physical defense that will look to win the line of scrimmage. Utah proved it could still put up points on the road against BYU and I think the Utes will score even easier at home against NIU. The Huskies are a proud program, but I don’t think they have a stronger defense year-in and year-out than BYU. NIU is likely to struggle to score on Utah, but the Huskies won’t need many points to help the Utes hit this over.
College Football Week 2 Prediction: Northern Illinois/Utah Over 43.5