Western Michigan Broncos at Northern Illinois Huskies Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, November 18, 2025
We have a Mid-American Conference matchup in Week 13 of the college football season as the Western Michigan Eagles face off against the Northern Illinois Huskies in our Broncos vs. Huskies prediction. Set to take place inside Huskie Stadium on November 18th at 7:00 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPN2, will be an exciting matchup with two teams playing at different levels this season. Western Michigan is 6-4 (5-1 MAC) so far, while Northern Illinois is currently 3-7 (2-4). With these teams playing well in the last few weeks heading into this game, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights for this matchup. Rivalries, tempo, trenches — NCAAF picks for Western Michigan Broncos at Northern Illinois Huskies.
Broncos Attempting to win the MAC
The Western Michigan Broncos is on a two-game winning streak after a 17-13 home win over the Ohio Bobcats on Nov. 11 and sits in first place in the MAC. Their offense has been performing at a good level as they are scoring 21.6 points per game this year, placing them 106th in the NCAA. Quarterback Broc Lowry has been holding his own this season as he has completed 134-of-207 passes (64.7%) for 1,440 yards with seven touchdown passes and one interception as well as 143 carries for 683 yards (4.8 yards per attempt) with nine rushing touchdowns heading into this game. As a team, they are moving the ball at a lesser level as they are ranked 95th in the country in total yards, averaging 320.7 per game. Western Michigan’s passing offense, which averages 157.6 yards per game, puts them at 117th in the sport. The rushing game, contributing 163.1 yards per game (43rd nationally), has been stepping up and making them look even better as a result.
The Broncos’ defense is currently 19th in the nation with 18.4 points allowed per game. They are dominating in terms of the amount of yardage as they are 30th in the nation with 291.4 total yards per game. The team has been incredible in terms of keeping the passing game in check, as they are 39th with a 59.2 opposing completion percentage, so the defense has been a legitimate strength for the program throughout the year.
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Key Injury Report for Western Michigan
- Offensive lineman Jeremy Schleicher: Undisclosed (Questionable)
Huskies are Hot and Cold
The Northern Illinois Huskies have struggled this season, but they are coming off a 45-3 road win over the UMass Minutemen in their last game on Nov. 12. In that game, Brady Davidson and Jalen Macon threw the ball a combined eight times for 115 yards for two TDs, but Macon ran for 98 yards and three TDs. Macon is a redshirt junior with limited experience but apparently has taken over for Josh Holst (689 yds, 4 TDs, 3 INTs).
The Huskies need something to spark their offense as they finish their season without a bowl bid. They are currently 135th in the NCAA with 15.5 points per game scored. Running back Telly Johnson Jr is the number-one option in the running game with his production, as he has 110 carries for 634 yards (5.8 yards per rush) with three touchdown runs as well as 15 receptions for 96 yards (6.4 yards per catch). Their total offense stands at 282.3 yards per game (134th in NCAA), with the rushing attack able to get 174.2 yards (62nd). The passing game has been terrible with an average of 108.1 yards per game (134th).
Defensively, Northern Illinois is giving up 22.2 points per game right now, which is 69th in college football. The team has been getting stops as they are allowing 345.6 total yards per game (54th). However, the rushing defense has struggled as they are 82nd in the nation with 4.2 yards per rushing attempt thus far.
Key Injury Report for Northern Illinois
- Tight end Jake Appleget: Undisclosed (Questionable). Has 7 catches for 57 yards and 1 TD.
- Offensive lineman Thomas Paasch: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Erik Murray: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Michael Jimmar: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Luke Skartvedt: Undisclosed (Questionable).
- Safety James Finley IV: Undisclosed (Questionable). Has 17 tackles and 2 INTs.
- Defensive lineman Jalonnie Williams: Undisclosed (Questionable). Has 27 tackles.
- Wide receiver George Dimopoulos: Undisclosed (Questionable). Has 11 catches.
Western Michigan Broncos at Northern Illinois Huskies Pick
Spread Pick for Western Michigan vs. Northern Illinois
- Western Michigan Broncos -6 (5 units)
It is going to be difficult to see a scenario where Northern Illinois is able to score enough points to keep things close against a very good Western Michigan team. Macon is a big quarterback with some ability to run, but he threw just four passes against a terrible UMass team. Western Michigan has been able to move the football well and is one of the best defensive teams in college football. All in all, go with the Western Michigan Eagles to cover the spread here.
Over/Under Pick for Western Michigan at Northern Illinois
- Under 38.5 (4 units)
Both defenses have done a great job in terms of limiting the amount of big yardage against them this season, as Western Michigan is 23rd with 4.9 yards per play, while Northern Illinois is 57th with 5.2 yards per play given up. It doesn't matter who plays quarterback for NIU right now. They just won't be able to do much offensively against the best team in the MAC. These offenses are not going to be able to get too much going and that is going to make things tough. The under has hit in four of the last six games against one another, so take the under to hit here as well.
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