Northern Illinois gets receives one of the stiffest conference tests they’ll have all season as they travel to face Central Michigan Saturday afternoon. Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
How to watch Northern Illinois vs. Central Michigan: Preview, streaming, odds and more
Can Central Michigan end Northern Illinois’s BCS hopes?
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Huskies are undefeated and seemed destined to crash the BCS party, with one of the top rushing offenses in the nation and road wins over Iowa and Purdue. In fact, four of the first six games Northern Illinois played this year were on the road, setting themselves up nicely for this contest in Mount Pleasant.
Dan Enos’s Central Michigan squad looks better than the Chippewas have in recent years, but still stand below .500 with wins over New Hampshire, Miami (OH) and Ohio. They were blown out by an N.C. State team that frankly isn’t very good, and another blowout can be expected here.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Northern Illinois is ranked No. 23 in the AP and Coaches’ Polls, and No. 22 in the Harris Poll. The Huskies are 6-0 with a 2-0 record in the MAC. The Chippewas are 3-4 with a 2-1 MAC record. Central Michigan holds a 25-22-1 lead in the all-time rivalry.
Vegas: The Huskies are a 17-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: Low 50s with some rain expected.
Three names to know
Jordan Lynch. The Northern Illinois quarterback is a bona fide star, and has 17 total touchdowns on the young season.
Da'Ron Brown. Lynch's top target is averaging over 15 yards per catch and will look to give the Chippewa secondary a lot of trouble.
Kavon Frazier. Central Michigan's top secondary player has three interceptions and four passes broken up this season and will be tasked with limiting Brown and Lynch.
Two things at stake
Northern Illinois would be knocked out of the BCS race with a loss.
A win for Central Michigan would give them a chance for the MAC West crown.
How to witness
TV: Only on ESPN3 at 3 p.m. ET.
Radio: For Northern Illinois, 1360 AM and 98.9 FM. Here’s a list of Central Michigan affiliates.
Online streaming: ESPN3 .
Further reading
For the Northern Illinois perspective, head to Red and Black Attack. For everything MAC, check out Hustle Belt.
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