Northern Illinois vs Western Michigan on 11/09 by blackwiseguy
24
FINAL
21
Game Western Michigan
-1 -109
LOSS
Loss 5.43
Handicapper Analysis
0
It’s mostly a pick 'em' game, and my best bet is for Western Michigan to win.
Western isn’t playing for anything other than pride and next season. This is a winnable game for the Broncos, and it will start with their defense. WMU allows the second-fewest points per game in conference play and has surrendered 56 points over its last three games.
Northern hasn’t named a starting QB, but Rocky Lombardi and Ethan Hampton missed last week and are questionable for Wednesday. Frosh QB Nevan Cremascoli threw a pair of TD passes but completed 39% of his passes in a home loss to Central Michigan. He also rushed for 15 yards but committed two turnovers. The Broncos are fifth in MAC play against the pass, and WMU can contain Cremascoli.
The real test for the Broncos will be shutting down sophomore running back Harrison Waylen. The RB has busted loose for 863 yards and five TDs with an additional 119 receiving yards. Waylen weigh-laid a Chippewas defense for 136 yards on 20 attempts, and containing him is the key to a WMU victory.
The Broncos' offense has scored just 62 points over their past four games. Losing Jefferson for the season hurt, but Sean Tyler has rambled for 622 yards with four TDs and 82 rushing yards or more in his previous three. The fourth-best NIU rushing defense is stout but did allow 245 yards last week to CMU.
Freshman QB Treyson Bourguet has started the last two games and has thrown for 314 yards with a TD and interception. WMU has allowed 28 sacks — two last week — and faces a Huskies defense with 21 sacks, but surrenders a ninth-worst 261 passing yards. Look for junior wideout Corey Crooms to have plenty of pass-catching opportunities Tuesday.
If the Broncos are going to outscore NIU, it will be through the air. Bourguet should feel a bit more confident making his first career home start after two decent away starts. Crooms will be difficult for NIU to stop, but the key to this will be the Broncos' offensive line and how often they keep Bourguet’s jersey clean.
Bourguet is mobile, was sacked once last week, and should have time to operate against a leaky NIU pass defense. WMU's defense is stout enough to keep the NIU points to a minimum, and Western will win the game.
Western isn’t playing for anything other than pride and next season. This is a winnable game for the Broncos, and it will start with their defense. WMU allows the second-fewest points per game in conference play and has surrendered 56 points over its last three games.
Northern hasn’t named a starting QB, but Rocky Lombardi and Ethan Hampton missed last week and are questionable for Wednesday. Frosh QB Nevan Cremascoli threw a pair of TD passes but completed 39% of his passes in a home loss to Central Michigan. He also rushed for 15 yards but committed two turnovers. The Broncos are fifth in MAC play against the pass, and WMU can contain Cremascoli.
The real test for the Broncos will be shutting down sophomore running back Harrison Waylen. The RB has busted loose for 863 yards and five TDs with an additional 119 receiving yards. Waylen weigh-laid a Chippewas defense for 136 yards on 20 attempts, and containing him is the key to a WMU victory.
The Broncos' offense has scored just 62 points over their past four games. Losing Jefferson for the season hurt, but Sean Tyler has rambled for 622 yards with four TDs and 82 rushing yards or more in his previous three. The fourth-best NIU rushing defense is stout but did allow 245 yards last week to CMU.
Freshman QB Treyson Bourguet has started the last two games and has thrown for 314 yards with a TD and interception. WMU has allowed 28 sacks — two last week — and faces a Huskies defense with 21 sacks, but surrenders a ninth-worst 261 passing yards. Look for junior wideout Corey Crooms to have plenty of pass-catching opportunities Tuesday.
If the Broncos are going to outscore NIU, it will be through the air. Bourguet should feel a bit more confident making his first career home start after two decent away starts. Crooms will be difficult for NIU to stop, but the key to this will be the Broncos' offensive line and how often they keep Bourguet’s jersey clean.
Bourguet is mobile, was sacked once last week, and should have time to operate against a leaky NIU pass defense. WMU's defense is stout enough to keep the NIU points to a minimum, and Western will win the game.
