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Through 3 Quarters
Both the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have kept the scorekeepers busy with 71 between them three quarters in. a win is still up for grabs for either squad, but NIU is up 38-33
The Huskies have been led by QB Rocky Lombardi, who so far has passed for two TDs and 72 yards on 13 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 43 yards. RB Braydon Bennett has led the way so far for Coastal Carolina, as he has rushed for two TDs and 108 yards on six carries. Bennett has put himself on the highlight reel with a 60-yard TD scramble in the third quarter.
This is the most points NIU has had yet this year going into the fourth quarter.
Who's Playing
Northern Illinois @ Coastal Carolina
Regular Season Records: Northern Illinois 9-4; Coastal Carolina 10-2
What to Know
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and the Northern Illinois Huskies have had some time off and are no doubt ready to hit the field. Bowl season is underway, and the Chanticleers and NIU will compete for postseason bragging rights in the Cure Bowl at Exploria Stadium at 6 p.m. ET Friday. Coastal Carolina has the odds in their favor, so they'll need to guard against complacency.
It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but Coastal Carolina ultimately got the result they were hoping for three weeks ago with a 27-21 win over the South Alabama Jaguars. Coastal Carolina's RB Shermari Jones did his thing and rushed for one TD and 211 yards on 23 carries. That touchdown -- a 75-yard rush in the fourth quarter -- was one of the highlights of the matchup.
Coastal Carolina's defense was a presence as well, as it got past South Alabama's offensive line to sack QB Jake Bentley four times for a total loss of 30 yards. Leading the way was DT Josaiah Stewart and his three sacks. Stewart now has 13.5 sacks this year.
Meanwhile, the Kent State Golden Flashes typically have all the answers at home, but two weeks ago the Huskies proved too difficult a challenge. NIU strolled past Kent State with points to spare, taking the game 41-23. NIU's success was spearheaded by the efforts of RB Jay Ducker, who picked up 146 yards on the ground on 29 carries, and QB Rocky Lombardi, who accumulated 102 passing yards in addition to punching in three rushing touchdowns.
This next contest looks promising for Coastal Carolina, who are favored by a full 12 points. Those sticking with them against the spread have guts, to put it politely, as the team has let down bettors in their past three games.
Two defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: The Chanticleers are stumbling into the matchup with the 186th most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 18 on the season. The Huskies have experienced some rushing struggles of their own as they are 240th worst in the nation in rushing touchdowns allowed, with 31 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 6 p.m. ET
- Where: Exploria Stadium -- Orlando, Florida
- TV: ESPN2
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Chanticleers are a big 12-point favorite against the Huskies, according to the latest college football odds.
The line has drifted a bit towards the Chanticleers, as the game opened with the Chanticleers as a 9.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last six years.
