NIU enters with a 10-3 straight up, 9-3 against the spread mark. Fresno State is 8-4 outright, but just 5-6 in the back pocket.
Northern Illinois is spectacular running the ball, getting 6.2 yards per rush versus teams that normally allow just 4.6. They are solid in the air, averaging 7.8 passing yards per attempt to defenses that permit just 7.4. Overall they get a full1.0 yards per play than their opponent normally allows.
NIU allows 4.0 yards per carry to offenses getting an average of 3.8. They permit 6.4 yards per pass to squads that normally accumulate 6.5 and 5.2 yards per play to 5.1.
Fresno State averages just 4.1 yards per rush to defenses that permit 4.5, but 7.9 yards per pass to 7.5. Overall, they get just 5.7 yards per play to squads usually permitting 5.9.
On defense, they permit 4.4 yards per carry teams normally getting 4.5, also holding teams to .4 passing yards per attempt below their normal average. Overall they allow 5.5 yards per play to 5.7.
Spread betting trends (all records are against the spread): Northern Illinois 9-1 last 10, but 0-6 on neutral fields. Fresno is 5-16 after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over/under trends: Bulldogs have gone over 8-1 off straight up win.
Top expert pick on this game: It looks like GodsTips will have a side selection on virtually ever bowl game this season thanks to the increase in quality and quantity of key indicators. The 6-1 college football run is just the beginning of something special as all three Saturday bowl sides are up from GodsTips for just $17. Click now to purchase
