Northern Illinois -24 over Eastern Michigan:
There shouldn't be any drama in the last regular season game for Northern Illinois (9-2 7-0). The Huskies, who have won eight games in a row, close out the regular season with a road game against Eastern Michigan (2-9). Making their second MAC title game appearance in five years, the Huskies clinched the West Division by crushing Ball State. A victory over Eastern Michigan would give the Huskies a 10-win season, an undefeated record in conference play and enhance their chances for a Top 25 ranking.
The Huskies would like nothing better than a fast start, which would allow them to rest their starters for the MAC Championship game on Dec. 3. Northern Illinois doesn't want to lose any momentum, so look for a strong push at the start. Eastern Michigan QB Alex Gillett is a passing and running threat who the Huskies will focus on in their defensive game plan.
The Huskies are a finely tuned offensive machine. They rank 11th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 255 yards per game. The Huskies rank 28th nationally in total offense at 434.3 yards per game. Not to be outdone by the highly ranked offense, Northern Illinois' defense is ranked 32nd nationally in total defense, allowing 339.2 yards per game. The Huskies have intercepted 16 passes to rank 12th in the nation, and are 36th in rushing defense at 131.7 yards per game.
The Eagles enter a game in which they have no margin for error. Northern Illinois has demonstrated the ability to dominate the opposition by exploiting its weaknesses, so to keep this one respectable, Eastern Michigan can't give Northern Illinois anything easy. The Eagles will have to sustain drives and keep the Huskies' offense off the field just to consider an opportunity of staying competitive. The Eagles don't have the firepower to match Northern Illinois blow-for-blow, so it will be critical that they do the little things well. If penalties and turnovers are not part of the Eastern Michigan offense, then the Eagles might be able to stay in the game at home against such a big number. Gillett's decision-making needs to be sharp, and the line has to afford him decent protection. I like the Huskies to take controil early of this game and build up a lead that will prove insurmountable in quest for a Top 25 National ranking as well as a formidable bowl appearance.
Nebraska -16.5 over Colorado:
Nebraska was cruising toward the Big 12 North title a week ago, but a close loss may be the least of the team's concerns after a whirlwind of controversy followed. The No. 16 Cornhuskers try to put their distractions aside against visiting Colorado on Friday, when they'll again try to wrap up a spot in the conference title game in the rivals' final meeting as Big 12 members.
Nebraska (9-2, 5-2) carried a four-game winning streak - and a chance to wrap up the division - into Saturday's game at Texas A&M. The 18th-ranked Aggies matched Nebraska defensively, however, and a battle of field goals was decided when A&M's Randy Bullock converted a 19-yarder with 3:02 left for a 9-6 victory. The Huskers can clinch the North title with a win over Colorado (5-6, 2-5) or a Missouri loss at Kansas, but all isn't well in Lincoln. Coach Bo Pelini spent much of Saturday's contest berating an officiating crew that called 16 penalties for 145 yards against his team, both school records.
With Nebraska's defense playing to championship form, it's up to the offense to find a way to muster a couple of touchdowns. The Huskers must also keep their composure and eliminate penalties after last weekend's debacle in College Station. --Starting QB Taylor Martinez is questionable after re-injuring his right ankle against Texas A&M. His left foot was also in a walking boot on Monday (the result of a toe injury), but coaches said the ankle remains the most concerning issue. Coach Bo Pelini also doused rumors that Martinez had quit the team or been suspended from the team after a sideline confrontation Saturday night between Martinez and Pelini.
Critics were abundant when Colorado was reeling at 0-5 in the Big 12 and heat boiled under the feet of fifth-year coach Dan Hawkins. The temperature -- "negativity" as athletic director Mike Bohn called it -- became so torrid Hawkins was removed as coach and replaced by defensive coordinator Brian Cabral. Since then the Buffalos have won two home games and climbed to 5-6 overall, maintaining a shot at bowl eligibility with one more win. Look closely, however, at the offensive explosion contributing to both the Buffs' victories, and a 45-point performance it could not turn into a victory at Kansas, and it's evident the yardage was achieved against the three worst rush defenses in the Big 12.
Sitting at 0-5, the Buffs could have easily cashed in their season. But the energetic response they gave to Cabral's oversight, coupled with the opportunity to play back-to-back home games, has made Colorado a different team as it closes the season -- a team its seniors championed as a potential contender in the North prior to the start of the season. Doing it on the road is another story altogether, but at least controversy no longer follows every move on the sideline. Instead, the cameras will be trained on Nebraska's Bo Pelini and whatever tantrums he throws, though the Huskers still figure to play sound defensively.
Best of luck to all Friday.
There shouldn't be any drama in the last regular season game for Northern Illinois (9-2 7-0). The Huskies, who have won eight games in a row, close out the regular season with a road game against Eastern Michigan (2-9). Making their second MAC title game appearance in five years, the Huskies clinched the West Division by crushing Ball State. A victory over Eastern Michigan would give the Huskies a 10-win season, an undefeated record in conference play and enhance their chances for a Top 25 ranking.
The Huskies would like nothing better than a fast start, which would allow them to rest their starters for the MAC Championship game on Dec. 3. Northern Illinois doesn't want to lose any momentum, so look for a strong push at the start. Eastern Michigan QB Alex Gillett is a passing and running threat who the Huskies will focus on in their defensive game plan.
The Huskies are a finely tuned offensive machine. They rank 11th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 255 yards per game. The Huskies rank 28th nationally in total offense at 434.3 yards per game. Not to be outdone by the highly ranked offense, Northern Illinois' defense is ranked 32nd nationally in total defense, allowing 339.2 yards per game. The Huskies have intercepted 16 passes to rank 12th in the nation, and are 36th in rushing defense at 131.7 yards per game.
The Eagles enter a game in which they have no margin for error. Northern Illinois has demonstrated the ability to dominate the opposition by exploiting its weaknesses, so to keep this one respectable, Eastern Michigan can't give Northern Illinois anything easy. The Eagles will have to sustain drives and keep the Huskies' offense off the field just to consider an opportunity of staying competitive. The Eagles don't have the firepower to match Northern Illinois blow-for-blow, so it will be critical that they do the little things well. If penalties and turnovers are not part of the Eastern Michigan offense, then the Eagles might be able to stay in the game at home against such a big number. Gillett's decision-making needs to be sharp, and the line has to afford him decent protection. I like the Huskies to take controil early of this game and build up a lead that will prove insurmountable in quest for a Top 25 National ranking as well as a formidable bowl appearance.
Nebraska -16.5 over Colorado:
Nebraska was cruising toward the Big 12 North title a week ago, but a close loss may be the least of the team's concerns after a whirlwind of controversy followed. The No. 16 Cornhuskers try to put their distractions aside against visiting Colorado on Friday, when they'll again try to wrap up a spot in the conference title game in the rivals' final meeting as Big 12 members.
Nebraska (9-2, 5-2) carried a four-game winning streak - and a chance to wrap up the division - into Saturday's game at Texas A&M. The 18th-ranked Aggies matched Nebraska defensively, however, and a battle of field goals was decided when A&M's Randy Bullock converted a 19-yarder with 3:02 left for a 9-6 victory. The Huskers can clinch the North title with a win over Colorado (5-6, 2-5) or a Missouri loss at Kansas, but all isn't well in Lincoln. Coach Bo Pelini spent much of Saturday's contest berating an officiating crew that called 16 penalties for 145 yards against his team, both school records.
With Nebraska's defense playing to championship form, it's up to the offense to find a way to muster a couple of touchdowns. The Huskers must also keep their composure and eliminate penalties after last weekend's debacle in College Station. --Starting QB Taylor Martinez is questionable after re-injuring his right ankle against Texas A&M. His left foot was also in a walking boot on Monday (the result of a toe injury), but coaches said the ankle remains the most concerning issue. Coach Bo Pelini also doused rumors that Martinez had quit the team or been suspended from the team after a sideline confrontation Saturday night between Martinez and Pelini.
Critics were abundant when Colorado was reeling at 0-5 in the Big 12 and heat boiled under the feet of fifth-year coach Dan Hawkins. The temperature -- "negativity" as athletic director Mike Bohn called it -- became so torrid Hawkins was removed as coach and replaced by defensive coordinator Brian Cabral. Since then the Buffalos have won two home games and climbed to 5-6 overall, maintaining a shot at bowl eligibility with one more win. Look closely, however, at the offensive explosion contributing to both the Buffs' victories, and a 45-point performance it could not turn into a victory at Kansas, and it's evident the yardage was achieved against the three worst rush defenses in the Big 12.
Sitting at 0-5, the Buffs could have easily cashed in their season. But the energetic response they gave to Cabral's oversight, coupled with the opportunity to play back-to-back home games, has made Colorado a different team as it closes the season -- a team its seniors championed as a potential contender in the North prior to the start of the season. Doing it on the road is another story altogether, but at least controversy no longer follows every move on the sideline. Instead, the cameras will be trained on Nebraska's Bo Pelini and whatever tantrums he throws, though the Huskers still figure to play sound defensively.
Best of luck to all Friday.
