We have a division showdown tonight. The N. Illinois Huskies are 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the Mid-American Conference West Division.The Toledo Rockets are 6-3, (5-0). N.Ill. won 28-21 at W. Mich. their last game. Toledo had a 42-7 rout of Eastern Michigan. Toledo starting quarterback Austin Dantin was injured in last week's game and redshirt freshman Terrance Owens passed for 234 yards and four touchdowns in relief of Dantin, completing 10-of-15 passes and rushing for 19 yards against the Eagles and will make the start tonight. However, E. Michigan is a bad team 1-8 overall so jjgold could probably throw for over 200 against them. N. Illinois features a potent rushing attack ranked 11th in the nation in rushing, averaging 243.3 yards per game, and led by Chad Spann averaging 111 yds per game. Northern Illinois is ranked 42nd in the nation in total defense, allowing 342.6 yards per game. The Huskies are better in scoring defense, ranking 21st in the nation, allowing 18.6 points a game. Toledo averages 185yds passing and 1146 yds rushing. The Rockets lead the nation with 16 interceptions and is second with 26 turnovers. Toledo leads 29-8 in the series including 14 of the last 16 and last yrs victory, 20-19. I think it all comes down to how the Toledo backup QB plays. N. Illinois laying 11 1/2 points is alot vs a team that has dominated them in the series. Due to the history and the unknowns regarding QB play etc, I would not make a large wager on this game. I do feel this game is gonna stay under so it is more likely that Toledo can stay within the number here in a hard fought divisional battle.
