<p>In a game that might decide a spot in the MAC championship bout Northern Illinois and Ball State battle for the Bronze Stalk Wednesday night in DeKalb. The Huskies lead the MAC West by a game over the Cardinals and others, so this is big for both teams.</p>
<p>Northern Illinois is lined as a short home dog, possibly because of some injury issues. Here’s our homework for this game, with our free college football betting pick.</p>
<h2>Ball State-Northern Illinois Betting Odds </h2>
<p>This week's college football betting lines opened Ball State as a 2.5-point road favorite in this spot, with an over/under of right around 62. Early betting action then edged that total to 62.5.</p>
<h2>Ball State Betting Preview </h2>
<p>The defending MAC champion Cardinals are 5-4 on the season after winning at Akron last Tuesday 31-25. Ball State drew first blood with a touchdown midway through the first quarter and led 21-10 at the half. The Cardinals then scored the first touchdown of the second half, which got them within a field goal of the cover at -20. But they then let the Zips get within a field goal early in the fourth quarter and needed a fumble recovery near their own goal line with 1:30 left just to hold on to the victory.</p>
<p>Ball State actually got out-gained by Akron 458-425. However, nearly half the yardage the Cardinals defense gave up came while protecting a 28-10 lead. BSU also ran the ball 42 times for 242 yards and won the turnover battle 1-0. Just enough to clinch the win.</p>
<p>The Cardinals have been out-gained eight times over their nine games this season and out-rushed six times. But somehow, following a 1-3 start, they’re 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS over their last five games.</p>
<h2>Northern Illinois Betting Preview </h2>
<p>The Huskies, meanwhile, are 6-3 on the season after falling at Kent State last Wednesday 52-47. Northern Illinois took a 7-0 less than two minutes in but gave up a 31-point Golden Flashes second quarter to trail 31-21 into the half. The Huskies later fell down 45-27, got within five points with five minutes to go but couldn't get the ball back and came up just short ATS at +3.5.</p>
<p>Last week, Northern Illinois piled up 663 yards of total offense but gave up 682, including 360 on the ground!</p>
<p>Two weeks ago, the Huskies gave up 500 yards to Central Michigan, although they rallied to win that game 39-38. In fact, last week's loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Northern Illinois.</p>
<p>The Huskies have been out-gained by five of their nine opponents this season, but they've won the ground battles six times in nine games.</p>
<p>At 4-1 in conference play, Northern Illinois leads the MAC West by one game over Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan, all 3-2. And the Huskies already own victories over the Eagles and Chippewas.</p>
<p>However, early injury reports include NIU's starting quarterback Lombardi, second-leading rusher Waylee, and WR Richie. So bettors will want to consume some later injury updates before getting down on this game.</p>
<h2>Ball State-Northern Illinois Recent History </h2>
<p>The Huskies beat the Cardinals 10 times in a row from 2009-18, but Ball State's won the last two meetings, including a 31-25 decision in Muncie's previous season. Northern Illinois covered that night as a 14-point underdog, and the game played under a total of 59. </p>
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<span style="font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color:#008000;">Get more details:</span></b> <a class="advblue" href="https://www.sportsbettingstats.com/ncaaf/matchup/1393541">BALL/NIU 11/10/21 Match-up Stats</a> </span>
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<h2>College Football Betting Trends </h2>
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<li>The Huskies are only 6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS at home the last two-plus seasons.</li>
<li>The Cardinals are only 11-21 SU but 17-15 ATS on the road over the last five-plus seasons.</li>
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<h2>Totals Report </h2>
<p>Under are 6-3 in Ball State games this season, which are averaging 53 total points.</p>
<p>Overs are 5-4 in Northern Illinois games, which are averaging 65 points.</p>
<p>Under are 3-0 over the last three meetings between these teams.</p>