The Zips stop unit looks worse on paper than it may be. Their stats look bad because they’ve played top Power 5 offenses and NIU isn’t one of them. This Zips team is decent against the rush-NIU has a top rushing offense with an outstanding back in Antario Brown, but he left the WMU game and failed to return. If Akron stops the run, they will cover the spread. They have good tacklers and are decent against stopping the pass. NIU QB Ethan Hampton is a dual threat, but his arm isn’t as good as his legs. The Zips have had four extra days to prepare, and I expect Finley to get the job done with his arm, the defense to stop the rush, and Akron to cover the huge spread.
teslaxyz is #1 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (7-2-0) and +4800 units on the season.
greenhouse12 is #10 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (5-4-0) and +3750 units on the season.
2dawgnation2 is #2 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (0-0-0) and +4500 units on the season.
wiseoldowl is #3 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (5-1-0) and +4400 units on the season.
MustangRally is #4 on picking games that Akron is in with a record of (4-0-0) and +3900 units on the season.
Dadam915 is #6 on picking games that Akron is in with a record of (6-1-0) and +3800 units on the season.
ROYHOBBS7 is #7 on picking games that Akron is in with a record of (6-2-0) and +3800 units on the season.
Geo Lazos is #8 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (6-3-0) and +3750 units on the season.
pureporkchop is #8 on picking games that Akron is in with a record of (6-3-0) and +3750 units on the season.
witt297 is #9 on picking games that Akron is in with a record of (6-3-0) and +3750 units on the season.
nbahoops is #9 on picking games that Northern Illinois are in with a record of (8-1-0) and +3750 units on the season.