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Through 3 Quarters
The Central Michigan Chippewas are on the board, but we're still waiting on the Northern Illinois Huskies to respond. Three quarters in and CMU's offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating NIU 26 to nothing three quarters in. RB Lew Nichols III has led the way so far for the Chippewas, as he has punched in one rushing touchdown in addition to catching two passes for one TD and 59 yards.
CMU has been riding high on the performance of Nichols III, who has punched in one rushing touchdown in addition to catching two passes for one TD and 59 yards. One of the most thrilling moments was Nichols III's 58-yard TD reception in the third quarter.
CMU is struggling to protect the pocket and have allowed three sacks. They are going to have to protect the QB better if they want to hold on to their lead.
Who's Playing
Central Michigan @ Northern Illinois
Current Records: Central Michigan 1-0; Northern Illinois 0-1
What to Know
The Central Michigan Chippewas are 4-1 against the Northern Illinois Huskies since October of 2015, and they'll have a chance to extend that success Wednesday. The Chippewas and NIU will face off in a Mid-American battle at 8 p.m. ET at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium. CMU won't have the home-field advantage, but they do enjoy an 8.5-point advantage in the spread.
CMU gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener last week. They had just enough and edged out the Ohio Bobcats 30-27. CMU's RB Kobe Lewis looked sharp as he rushed for two TDs and 112 yards on 28 carries.
CMU's defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Bobcats' offensive line to sack the QB five times. Leading the way was LB Troy Hairston and his three sacks. Those were the first sacks for Hairston.
Meanwhile, the Huskies couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. Last Wednesday, they lost to the Buffalo Bulls by a decisive 49-30 margin. NIU was down 42-16 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from. QB Ross Bowers had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw one interception and fumbled the ball once.
Central Michigan's win lifted them to 1-0 while Northern Illinois' defeat dropped them down to 0-1. Giving up six turnovers, the Huskies had had trouble holding onto the ball. We'll see if the Chippewas can exploit that vulnerability.
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium -- DeKalb, Illinois
- TV: ESPN University
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Chippewas are a big 8.5-point favorite against the Huskies, according to the latest college football odds.
The line has drifted a bit towards the Chippewas, as the game opened with the Chippewas as a 6-point favorite.
Over/Under: -115
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Series History
Central Michigan have won four out of their last five games against Northern Illinois.
- Nov 02, 2019 - Central Michigan 48 vs. Northern Illinois 10
- Sep 15, 2018 - Northern Illinois 24 vs. Central Michigan 16
- Nov 24, 2017 - Central Michigan 31 vs. Northern Illinois 24
- Oct 15, 2016 - Central Michigan 34 vs. Northern Illinois 28
- Oct 03, 2015 - Central Michigan 29 vs. Northern Illinois 19
