The Ball State Cardinals and the Northern Illinois Huskies meet Tuesday in college football action from Huskie Stadium. Ball State is coming into this one at 2-7 overall. The Cardinals lost a close game to Bowling Green last Wednesday. As for Northern Illinois, they’re 4-5 on the season following a loss to Central Michigan on Halloween. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Ball State Cardinals
Ball State has had some trouble finding their footing this year, beating only Indiana State (45-7) and Central Michigan (24-17) along the way. The Cardinals have had major issues scoring, averaging just 16.7 points per game. Ball State’s running game hasn’t been terrible (144.1 yards per game; 10 scores) but they’re struggling through the air (149.4 yards per game; seven TDs; seven picks).
In their last appearance back on November 1 versus Bowling Green, the Cardinals traded punches until the fourth quarter and ultimately took a tough road defeat 24-21. QB Kiael Kelly put up 66 yards on 9-of-19 passing, also scoring two rush TDs. Marquez Cooper topped the rush attack with 90 yards and a score.
Ball State Cardinals Team Facts
- Ball State has lost each of its last seven road games.
- Ball State has covered the spread in each of its last five November games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Ball State has lost the first half in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
- Ten of Ball State’s last 11 November games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Northern Illinois Huskies
Over on the Northern Illinois side, they’ve had a few good stretches this year but remain very inconsistent in the record column. The Huskies have managed a total of 25.0 points per game on average, with 12 touchdowns coming via pass (with seven interceptions) and 15 scores coming on the ground (averaging 4.7 yards per rush).
The Huskies saw a three-game win streak snapped in their last outing versus Central Michigan on Halloween. NIU was down 24-3 after the first half, but managed to make things interesting in a 37-31 loss. Rocky Lombardi put up 298 yards with three scores and an interception. Antario Brown was the lead rusher with 167 yards and a TD. Trayvon Rudolph added 172 yards with a score receiving as well.
Northern Illinois Huskies Team Facts
- Northern Illinois has lost seven of its last eight November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northern Illinois has failed to cover the spread in each of its last nine games as a home favorite.
- Northern Illinois has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against conference opponents at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium.
- Northern Illinois has won the first quarter in three of its last four home games against conference opponents.
- Each of Northern Illinois’ last seven November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ball State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 30+ points of any FBS team this season (2).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stay with Northern Illinois. The Huskies suffered a sluggish start in their latest loss to Central Michigan, but ultimately gathered 506 total yards (298 passing). The main trouble areas were third-down conversions (0-of-10), turnovers (three) and penalties (nine for 76 yards). The good news is that NIU has been pretty competitive during this current 3-3 stretch, with no loss coming by more than eight points in that span. The Huskies need to play a cleaner game against Ball State, but they shouldn’t have too many issues moving the ball. Northern Illinois will win handily here if they play to their capabilities.
