– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:36 pm
Free Week 4 Prediction: Leathernecks vs Huskies Odds
Looking for Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. Northern Illinois Huskies free picks? Week 4 College football betting sees the Leathernecks taking on the Huskies Saturday September 24th at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 4
(2-0) Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. NIU Huskies (0-3)
Date: Saturday, September 24th
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Venue: Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois
NCAA Football Spread: Off
NCAA Betting Total: Off
Live CFB Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… CFB ATS Stats & Expert NCAAF Betting Insight!
One of the MAC’s best teams over the last several years has stumbled out of the gate.
The Northern Illinois Huskies are 0-3 and have to be dying to get to the manageable part of their schedule.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Two road games followed by a top 25 San Diego State team coming to town have the Huskies scrambling if they want to move toward a bowl bid.
Western Illinois is an FCS team coming off a bye that will try to gain the respect of their in-state opponent.
Western Illinois Leathernecks
The Leathernecks have used a heavy rushing attack to get their first two wins.
They have run the ball 87 times compared to just 59 passing plays. They are averaging 5.1 yards per carry and have scored 6 of their 9 touchdowns on the ground.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Using this style of play, the offense has controlled the tempo of the game – leading to a significant advantage in time of possession.
They haven’t turned the ball over once through 2 games and have just 10 penalties through 2 games.
While they have played weak opponents, the Leathernecks were a FCS playoff team last season and advanced to the second round.
FBS vs FCS teams are difficult challenges for the underdogs but the Leathernecks ability to protect the football and control the tempo could keep them closer than people expect.
NIU Huskies
The Huskies have now lost 6 straight games dating back to last season and have their entire MAC schedule awaiting them following this game.
Northern Illinois is riding a streak of 8 straight trips to a bowl game but an 0-3 start will make continuing that streak a bit more difficult.
The defense has been the main reason for the Huskies’ struggles as they have given up an average of 43 points per game through 3 games.
They have lost starting quarterback Drew Hare for an extended period of time and will be relying on sophomore Ryan Graham to pick up his play before they hit their conference schedule.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
In addition, the Huskies ground game has been highly ineffective. Their rushing attack is averaging just 3.8 yard per game – making the job of the quarterback much more difficult.
While the Huskies should be able to beat their in-state FCS opponent, this game could be close as Northern Illinois tries to figure out their issues before conference play.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Western Illinois has beaten Northern Illinois 3 of the last 4 times.
- Northern Illinois is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games.
- Northern Illinois has been outgained by an average of 145 yards per game over their last 9 games.
Free Week 4 NCAA Football Prediction
If the Leathernecks can use their balanced rushing attack to control the tempo and protect the football, the Huskies could need a late game spark to pick up the win.
This spread likely will be at least 20 but I like the Leathernecks catching the points.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Western Illinois (Off)
Northern Illinois likely has some rumblings in the locker room after 3 straight losses and a lack of confidence could lead to more struggles. Watch out for an upset here.
Week 4 Free Score Prediction: Northern Illinois 26 – Western Illinois 23
If you’re looking for more picks like this Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. NIU Huskies matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
CappersPicks.com has College football odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NCAA football lines up for early games as well.