Northern Illinois Huskies at Eastern Michigan Eagles Saturday, October 11, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Eastern Michigan Eagles will host the Northern Illinois Huskies at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday in a MAC Conference game, with the kickoff slated for 1:00 PM Eastern, as both of these teams are seeking their first conference win. Read on for the Huskies vs the Eagles prediction and more free NCAAF picks.
Huskies Seeking First Conference Win
Northern Illinois dropped its 4th straight, this time at the hands of conference foe, Miami OH. Brady Davidson led the way for the Huskies, with 106 yards on 13/28 passing to go with a touchdown and an interception. DeAree Rogers continued to show his big play ability, with a 20-yard catch and 40 yards on four catches. The Huskies were limited to just 106 passing yards, and they turned the ball over twice. The ground game will likely be leaned on again here.
Northern Illinois enters this week still undecided about who its full-time starting quarterback will be, as Josh Holst and Brady Davidson are competing for QB reps. Offensively, the Huskies are averaging 12.2 points per game, which ranks them near the bottom nationally. The ground game is managing 3.6 yards per carry, while the passing attack (4.4 yards per pass attempt) has struggled with a completion rate below 54%. Further, the offensive line hasn't been able to protect the quarterback, and the combined TD/INT ratio sits at 2/4.
Northern Illinois Key Team Stats:
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- Total Yards Per Game: 242.8
- 3rd-Down Conversion Rate: 27.59%
- Red Zone Touchdown Rate: 80.00%
On defense, NIU has been more respectable, allowing 22.3 points per game, ranking them right inside the top 50. Opponents are generating roughly 5.1 yards per play, indicating a defense that bends but doesn’t break. This is further evident when looking at their 54th-ranked red zone defense. The Huskies are Opposing quarterbacks hold just a 56.73% completion rate, which lands the Huskies at one of the strongest completion defenses in the nation. Getting 3rd down stops will be key here, though it has been a problem all season long.
Eagles Come Up Short
Eastern Michigan lost its third game by a single score this season. Most recently, they fell to MAC foe, Buffalo, in a game that was pushed into overtime and finished 30-31. Noah Kim tossed for two scores and 168 yards, and he added a score on the ground. Doneae McMillan (20) and Tavierre Dunlap (23) both received at least 20 carries. The defense managed two sacks, but allowed Buffalo to convert on 7-15 3rd down tries.
Eastern Michigan enters the season under head coach Chris Creighton, with Noah Kim at quarterback. Offensively, the Eagles are averaging 2540 points per game, which ranks them 71st nationally. They generate 390.1 yards per game, putting them around the top 75 in the country. Their third-down conversion rate is solid, though it has slid of late. It currently sits at 40.26%. The offense has been prolific inside the 20s, scoring on every red zone trip this season. Kim has been protected in the pocket, and he's shown he can take care of the football while also sitting in the top 100 in average completion depth. With 4.4 yards per carry, the ground game has hung around 50th in the country. A balanced attack that is poised to strike at the defense's weakness.
Eastern Michigan Key Team Stats:
- Total Yards Per Game: 377.5
- 3rd-Down Conversion Rate: 40.45%
- Points Per Game: 27.3
On defense, the Eagles have struggled, allowing 37.5 points per game, which places them near 125th in the nation. Opponents are gaining nearly 480 yards per contest, showing this team has also struggled in giving up the big play downfield. Their third-down defense allows 45.31% conversions, and their opponents’ yards per play average 7.0, both in the bottom 25 in the country. The Eagles’ defense must tighten in all phases and eliminate the chunk yardage plays. Slowing the run will be key as the Eagles are arguably the worst run defense in America.
Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Pick
Spread Pick for Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan
- Eastern Michigan +1.5 (4 Units)
The Eagles have at least shown they have a competent offense that can put points on the board. While the Huskies have a solid defense, Eastern Michigan put up 23 against Kentucky. The Huskies just can't score and struggle to move the ball. The lack of congruity at the quarterback position for Northern Illinois only makes this team more of an offensive question mark. Look for the Eagles to get their first conference win at home.
Eastern Michigan +1.5
Over/Under Pick for Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan
- Over 47.5 (4 Units)
As mentioned, the Eagles have one of the worst defenses in America. If there is a team Northern Illinois can look competent against on offense, it would be Eastern Michigan. That said, the Eagles have also shown they can put points on the board and will look to continue their strong success inside the red zone. Expect both offenses to come alive here.
Over 47.5
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