The Northern Illinois Huskies have been tested but are the last remaining Mid-American Conference team without a loss during league play this season. They've gone 4-0 during MACtion, with each of the victories coming by eight points or fewer. The Kent State Golden Flashes hope to become the first team to hand the Huskies a conference loss when they host Northern Illinois on Wednesday. Kent State (4-4, 3-1 MAC) has not defeated Northern Illinois (6-2, 4-0) since 2001, losing each of the last 10 meetings between the rivals.
Kickoff at Dix Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Golden Flashes are three-point favorites in the latest Kent State vs. Northern Illinois odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 72. Before making any Northern Illinois vs. Kent State picks or MACtion predictions, you need to see what the SportsLine Projection Model has to say.
The model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,700 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It also enters Week 10 of the 2021 season on a 28-15 run on all top-rated college football side picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Kent State vs. Northern Illinois and locked in its MACtion picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the MACtion odds and betting lines for Northern Illinois vs. Kent State:
- Kent State vs. Northern Illinois spread: Kent State -3.
- Kent State vs. Northern Illinois over-under: 72 points
- Kent State vs. Northern Illinois money line: Golden Flashes -160, Huskies +140
- KENT: The Golden Flashes are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games as favorites
- NIU: The Huskies are 7-0 ATS in their last seven contests following a bye week
Why Kent State can cover
After failing to reach 200 passing yards in four of his first five contests this season, quarterback Dustin Crum certainly has elevated his game. The senior has averaged 291.3 yards over his last three outings and thrown six of his nine touchdown passes this year in that span. Crum also is effective running the ball, as he led the Golden Flashes with 93 yards in their 34-27 victory at Ohio on Oct. 23 and ranks third on the team with 368 yards on 99 carries.
Dante Cephas is Crum's top target as he leads Kent State with 50 receptions, 683 yards and six TD catches. The sophomore wideout registered his third 100-yard performance of the season against the Bobcats, hauling in nine passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Cephas, who is averaging 13.7 yards per reception, has made five of his scoring catches in his last three games.
Why Northern Illinois can cover
Despite being without leading rusher Harrison Waylee (arm) since early October, the Huskies possess one of the top rushing attacks in the nation as they rank ninth with an average of 232.5 yards per contest. Jay Ducker has filled in nicely during the absence of his fellow freshman, particularly in the last two games. Ducker ran 33 times for a whopping 210 yards against Bowling Green on Oct. 16 before gaining 183 on 31 carries at Central Michigan seven days later.
With 478 yards in six games, Ducker is 96 behind Waylee for the team lead but has yet to run for his first collegiate touchdown. Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi and senior running back Clint Ratkovich are tied for first on the club with five rushing TDs apiece. Lombardi came up with a tremendous passing performance against Central Michigan as he set a career high with 348 yards, with freshman Trayvon Rudolph making six catches for 160 yards and two TDs while senior Tyrice Richie hauled in eight passes for a career-best 147 yards and a touchdown.
How to make Kent State vs. Northern Illinois MACtion picks
SportsLine's model is leaning under on the point total, projecting 69 combined points. It also has generated an against-the-spread pick that cashes in over 60 percent of simulations. You can only get the model's Kent State vs. Northern Illinois picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Northern Illinois vs. Kent State? And which side of the spread hits over 60 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Kent State vs. Northern Illinois spread to back, all from the advanced model that is up almost $3,700 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
