UMass vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Preview, & Odds – 10/5/2024

The UMass Minutemen will take on the Northern Illinois Huskies on October 5, 2024, with the Minutemen listed as 17 point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Early betting trends show that 62% of spread bets are on UMass, while 38% are on Northern Illinois. The total of 44 points has seen 28% of bets on the under and 72% on the over. Don't miss our preview of this UMass vs Northern Illinois matchup, which includes our best bet for this non-conference game.

UMass Still Winless Against FBS Competition

Through five games this season, the UMass Minutemen are 1-4, with their lone win of the season coming against Central Connecticut State of the FCS level of competition. UMass has played four MAC schools already this year, losing to Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Buffalo, and Miami (OH). That Miami (OH) loss was their most recent of this season, with the Minutemen falling 23-20 in overtime. This week, the Minutemen will look to hang with another strong team from the MAC, only with a different result.

Northern Illinois Mired In Two-Game Losing Streak

After beating Notre Dame just under a month ago, the Northern Illinois Huskies have done a bad job of following up on that famous victory. They have lost two games in a row, falling at home against Buffalo in overtime before losing to NC State on the road last week. Here, Northern Illinois will look to end their two-game losing streak, with their offense being the key to this UMass vs Northern Illinois contest. The Huskies have averaged just 17.7 points per game against their three FBS opponents this year. And while the defense of the Huskies has been stout this year, more scoring would do this team a world of good.

UMass vs Northern Illinois Betting Pick

This weekend's UMass vs Northern Illinois matchup should follow a similar game script to the previous games for Northern Illinois. The Huskies are excellent on defense but limited on offense. And while we should see the Huskies win this game outright, we are not convinced they can cover the spread. Instead, we will take the under in this game, as the NIU defense should help keep UMass off the scoreboard for large chunks of this matchup.

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NCAAFB picks here.