– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:37 pm
Week 1: Runnin’ Rebels vs Huskies Odds
College football betting sees the UNLV Running Rebels taking on the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday September 5 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.
UNLV vs. Northern Illinois
Week 1
Date: Saturday September 5
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Huskie Stadium – DeKalb, IL
NCAA Football Spread: Northern Illinois -21
NCAA Betting Total: 62.5
NCAA Moneyline Odds: n/a
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Northern Illinois is a strong program that uses the nonconference to prove a point against some better competition than the MAC can offer.
UNLV is not that calibre so they will be using this game primarily as a bit of a warmup before a game at Ohio State in a couple of weeks.
These teams met last season with the Huskies winning in Vegas.
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They covered the 10 points spread winning 48-34.
UNLV
Despite the fact that there is athletic talent in Vegas the UNLV football program continues to struggle. Since 2000 they have had only two seasons with a .500 record or better and none after 2003.
This year they have given local high school coach Tony Sanchez a chance. There has been success with coaches making the leap but usually they spend a season or two as a coordinator somewhere – see Gus Malzahn and Chad Morris.
Sanchez better have his team ready because if they aren’t the Huskies will steam roll them, literally.
It remains to be seen but the strength of this team is the linebacking corps and they will be tested against the aggressive balances offense of NIU. Even if they have a strong game they still might give up more yards than they do all season.
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On offense, the Rebels will try and get the ball in the hands of receiver Devonte Boyd as much as possible. He proved to be a playmakers in his freshman season.
Northern Illinois
Last year was a down year for Northern Illinois. They might have won 11 games but weren’t able to get into the AP rankings all season long like they had done in the previous two seasons. This is the best program going in the MAC and underrated nationally.
Last season first year starter Drew Hare threw only two interceptions and rushed for more than 900 yards. It’s not his fault he is not Jordan Lynch, one of the most productive QBs in NCAA history.
With Hare back the Huskies should once again have one of the top attacks in the nation, even though they are switching up their lead back role.
This season they are hoping the defense can be better with eight starters returning to the fold. They might not be tested too much in this one though.
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NIU started the season with three straight covers last year
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
Over is 4-0 in Rebels last 4 games overall.
Rebels are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1 in Rebels last 5 games on fieldturf.
Over is 6-1 in Huskies last 7 games in September.
Huskies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Under is 5-1 in Huskies last 6 games on fieldturf.
Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction
The Huskies look like a pretty safe bet in the opener. This is definitely an opponent they can overpower and I expect them to do so.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Northern Illinois -21
Look for Northern Illinois to get up early and use their strong running game to salt it away.
Week 1 Score Prediction: Northern Illinois 49 – UNLV 17
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