Eastern Michigan vs Northern Illinois 2011 College Football Picks: The Northern Illinois University Huskies must win Friday's game with Eastern Michigan if they plan on participating in the MAC Championship Game next week. The Huskies host the Eagles in DeKalb, Ill., for their regular season finale, a game with plenty on the line for both schools. While winning the MAC West is the Huskies focus, the Eagles have plenty of incentive to win needing seven wins to become bowl eligible. Oddsmakers at most offshore sports shops list NIU -19 1/2 chalk College Football Odds favorites with a 64 1/2 total. The game, to be televised on ESPNU, has an early 11:05 a.m. ET kickoff.
At home, NIU is 13-7-1 versus the Eagles. EMU's last win at Huskie Stadium came in 2007, which was also Eastern Michigan's only win in the last 10 meetings between the teams. In last years game, also on Black Friday, NIU was dominating in their 71-3 victory over Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. NIU scored eight rushing touchdowns, five on runs of 60 yards or more, and gained 544 rushing yards, while the Huskie defense gave up only 160 yards of total offense and allowed just 11 passing yards. Northern Illinois took a 20-0 lead in the first quarter and led 37-3 at halftime.
While going 5-1 at home this campaign, the Eagles have not played well on the road, losing 3-of-4 away games. Last week EMU lost on the road to the Kent State Golden Flashes by six, 22-28. Through 11 games this season, the Eagles' defense has allowed just 274 points for a total of 24.9 points per game. The last EMU squad to accomplish the feat was the 1994 team which gave up 275 points through its 11 contests. EMU currently ranks 54th nationally and fifth in the MAC in scoring defense. The bad news for the Eagles, they will be defending against the No. 1 offense in the MAC.
The Huskies have made a habit of beating the Eagles badly. Laying 19 1/2 is high but I'm going with NIU ATS anyway. My Pick – NIU -19 1/2
Publishers Note: Reno Gold crushed the bookies in Week 12 by hitting 8-of-12 College Football Odds Picks ATS and Totals. Through 12 weeks of college football action, Reno has been successful 71% of the time with his 87-36-4 ATS and Totals picks record. The good news for college football bettors is – RENO'S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Be sure to check up on Reno Gold's picks for week 13 and Strike Gold with Reno. Check daily for Reno Gold's opinion on all the top games each week for free. Feel free to sign up to get Free NCAAF Picks now!
