Northern Illinois (1-1) at Nebraska (0-2)
Saturday, September 16 - 7:00 PM (ET) - Lincoln, Nebraska
Why Northern Illinois Will Win
Will the real Northern Illinois please show up?
It managed to push through a road game at Boston College in an overtime thriller to start the season, and then it couldn't stop turning the ball over in a total clunker of a 14-11 loss to Southern Illinois from the FCS world.
No one gives the ball away like Nebraska does -- four giveaways in each of the first two games -- and the Huskies will need at least that many to pull this off.
Northern Illinois has been amazing on third downs on both sides of the ball, it controls the clock for well over 36 minutes per game, and .......
Why Nebraska Will Win
.....lost in even more pain and suffering in Lincoln is an ugly 0-2 start under Matt Rhule is the defense.
Both Minnesota and Colorado threw 44 times -- with varying degrees of success -- but the Husker front line has been great against the run, the pass rush is tied for the nation's lead with 11 sacks, and the offense doesn't have to press.
Northern Illinois doesn't have the firepower to put up big numbers to make this any sort of a back-and-forth fight. Just don't turn the ball over and all will be fine.
Who Will Win
Finally, Nebraska fans will get to have some fun.
Oh sure, there will be some mixups and problems to keep this from being too easy, but this will be an enough-is-enough moment.
With QB Jeff Sims banged up and questionable at best, the Huskers will keep it on the ground with at least 45 carries.
There will be a decent early lead, and for the first time since October 1st of last year against Indiana, there will be a win by the home team in Lincoln, Nebraska
Prediction
Nebraska 30, Northern Illinois 13
Spread
Nebraska is favored at home by 11 points. The O/U is at 43 points.
