NIU vs. San Diego St. Total Pick
Will No. 19 San Diego State stay dominant on defense when the Aztecs host Northern Illinois on Saturday at 10:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, San Diego State is favored at home, as the Aztecs are getting odds of -11 points against Northern Illinois. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 45.5 points. These two met last season with San Diego State getting a 42-28 win. The two hit the over of 48 points. Saturday’s game will take place from Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The contest airs live on CBS Sports Network.
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San Diego State is off to a 4-0 start following a 28-24 win at Air Force last week. The Aztecs are 2-1-1 with the under through four games. San Diego State’s defense has been great, allowing just 19.5 points and 291 yards per game. Their pass defense is allowing just 167.3 yards per contest. On offense, SDSU is averaging 29 points and 396.3 yards per game. Their run game is the strength, averaging 227 yards per contest. Rashaad Penny has run for 716 yards and seven touchdowns this season to lead the way while Juwan Washington has 220 yards. Christian Chapman has thrown for 660 yards and five touchdowns.
Northern Illinois is coming off a 21-17 win at Nebraska two weeks ago. The Huskies are now 2-1 on the season and they have hit the under in all three games. The Huskies also have a great defense, as they are allowing 16.7 points and 303.3 yards per game. The NIU run defense is allowing just 97.7 yards per game. Offensively, NIU puts up 26.3 points and 359.7 yards per game. Quarterback Ryan Graham is out with an elbow injury. He has thrown for 190 yards while rushing for 99 yards. Jordan Huff is leading the offense with 202 rushing yards while Daniel Santacaterina has 380 passing yards with three touchdowns.
Bet on Northern Illinois vs. San Diego State
These two should have a physical battle. Both teams pride themselves on being able to control the line of scrimmage, but only one will. Either way, neither offensive is considered terribly explosive. San Diego State may struggle to run as well as it usually does, but shouldn’t have a problem stopping this short-handed NIU offense. San Diego State has hit the under in 16 of its last 23 at home while NIU has hit the under in four straight non-conference games.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: NORTHERN ILLINOIS/SAN DIEGO STATE UNDER 45.5