UMass vs. Northern Illinois Prediction, Odds, Picks for Week 6 College Football

We’re back with yet another college football prediction and betting pick as the Week 6 slate continues to heat up. Two teams are looking for victory after their recent defeats. UMass Minutemen (1-4) take on the Northern Illinois Huskies (2-2). It’s time to continue our college football odds series with a UMass-Northern Illinois prediction and pick.

The Massachusetts Minutemen are 1-4 after losing their last game to Miami Ohio. Before that, they broke a three-game winless streak with a big win against Central Connecticut, but they enter another game as heavy underdogs. A win here would prove huge for the future of this program.

The NIU Huskies are 2-2 after their last road loss to NC State. They fought well in the 24-17 loss, but it was the Huskies’ second straight loss after their historic victory over Notre Dame. Now they look to get back on track as betting favorites in this one.

Here are the college football odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

College football odds: UMass-Northern Illinois odds

UMasse: +17.5 (-118)

Financial line: +570

Northern Illinois: -17.5 (-104)

Money line: -850

Over: 44.5 (-105)

Minus: 44.5 (-115)

How to watch UMass vs. Northern Illinois

Time: 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT

Television: CBS Sports Network

Stream: fuboTV (free trial)

Why UMass Could Cover the Spread/Win

UMass put up a valiant effort against Miami Ohio in their last game as they managed to overcome a 10-17 halftime deficit to tie the game and ultimately take the lead over the Redhawks. During the overtime period, the Minutemen found no offensive production and ultimately allowed two field goals at the end of regulation and overtime to seal the game. Their offense played with no mistakes, no turnovers and nearly 350 yards of offense, so finding the end zone consistently and not settling for field goals will be a focal point of this game.

UMass receiver Jakobie Keeney-James had a massive game himself last time out with four receptions for 150 receiving yards. He’s already totaled 406 yards on 20 receptions this season and he’s certainly a player that can take the lead in this Northern Illinois secondary. They’re still waiting for their running game to put on a breakout performance this season, but they could open up opportunities for Keeney-James down the field if they’re able to move the ball effectively on first and second down.

Why Northern Illinois Could Cover the Spread/Win

Northern Illinois won its biggest game in program history with its 16-14 road victory over No. 5 Notre Dame. Since then, however, the Huskies have struggled to replicate the same magic as they have now lost back-to-back games in heartbreaking fashion. Their offense had serious problems against the front line of NC State’s defense and a costly fumble for a scoop-and-score was ultimately the deciding factor in the loss. Nonetheless, this team has been severely tested in all areas this season and we will surely see them regroup and come back with another dominant performance.

Quarterback Ethan Hampton has now thrown 3 interceptions in the Huskies’ last two losses and the turnovers have really cost them at key moments in the game. Running back Antario Brown has been their most consistent player on offense and they should look to get him the ball early and often in this one. UMass has been weak inside and stopping the run, so they should exploit the battle at the line of scrimmage and move Brown forward in early situations. If Northern Illinois can limit their turnovers, they should win this game pretty easily.

UMass-Northern Illinois Final Prediction and Selection

Both teams come into this matchup hungry for a win, but neither team has shown much consistency on the offensive side of the ball. We certainly favor the NIU defense a little more given what they’ve been able to do this season against better competition. However, UMass might have the best player on the field in wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James, so expect their offensive success to depend on him.

Still, you have to like Northern Illinois’ consistent approach to winning at the line of scrimmage and remaining persistent in their running game. I don’t expect them to take too many risks through the air and risk making it a close game against UMass’ defense.

For our final prediction, we’ll roll with Northern Illinois to get the win in this one. The spread is a little wide for what is shaping up to be a defensive battle, so we like the value with a slightly lower total as both teams look to pull out a hard-fought victory.

UMass-Northern Illinois Final Prediction and Selection: Northern Illinois ML (-850); Under 44.5 (-115)