UMass vs. Northern Illinois: Game Preview and Betting Information

The game between the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Minutemen and the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois.
Preview

Game Details:

  • Date: October 5, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, Illinois
  • TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
  • Live Stream: Available on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App

Team Information:

  • Northern Illinois Huskies (2-2):
    • Key Players:
      • Antario Brown (RB): 355 rushing yards, 204 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
      • Ethan Hampton (QB): 879 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
      • Trayvon Rudolph (WR): 119 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
      • Cam Thompson (WR): 129 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
    • **Defensive Strengths:** Ranked 7th in total defense with 234.8 yards allowed per game.
  • UMass Minutemen (1-4):
    • Key Players:
      • Taisun Phommachanh (QB): 1,017 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 3 interceptions; 226 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
      • Jakobie James (WR): 406 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns
      • Jalen John (RB): 210 rushing yards, 1 touchdown; 81 receiving yards
      • CJ Hester (RB): 137 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns.
    • **Defensive Strengths:** Ranked 34th in total defense with 308.6 yards allowed per game.

Betting Information:

  • **Spread:** Northern Illinois -17.5
  • **Over/Under:** 42 points
  • Prediction: Northern Illinois is favored to win by a significant margin, with predictions suggesting a score of Northern Illinois 30, UMass 12.

Additional Notes:

  • UMass is looking to secure their first FBS win of the season and is aware of the challenge posed by Northern Illinois.
  • Northern Illinois has had a disappointing season so far but remains competitive in their games.
For those looking to watch the game live, it will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and can be streamed via CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App.