The Mid-American Conference (MAC) brings midweek excitement to college football as it features two significant matchups on Wednesday, November 5, 2023. The games will see the Northern Illinois Huskies take on the Toledo Rockets, while the Ball State Cardinals host the Kent State Golden Flashes. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET.
This week’s action promises to be intriguing, as the SportsLine model highlights the potential for an upset in the Northern Illinois versus Toledo game. The model predicts that Northern Illinois will cover the spread as 14.5-point underdogs, making it a key pick for bettors. The Huskies have shown resilience, boasting a 5-1 record in their last six November games and a 6-1 record against the spread in their last seven road games against Toledo.
Game Insights and Betting Predictions
Northern Illinois recently secured a 21-7 victory over Ball State, marking their first win in conference play this season. Despite facing six losses, only two of those were by over 14 points, indicating their competitiveness. In contrast, Toledo enters the game with a 4-4 overall record and has not dominated the MAC, going 2-2 in conference play. Notably, Toledo has won the last three encounters with Northern Illinois, but only one victory exceeded a seven-point margin.
“The model projects Northern Illinois to cover the spread in 66% of simulations,”
the SportsLine model indicates, suggesting strong potential for the Huskies to perform well in this matchup.
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Ball State vs. Kent State: A Home Advantage
In the second matchup, the Ball State Cardinals are favored to defeat the Kent State Golden Flashes at odds of -120. Matthew Severance, a SportsLine expert, emphasizes the value in this pick, stating, “Kent State is better this year for sure, but I’m not sure the Flashes are ready to win on the road.” Kent State has struggled away from home, losing all four of their road games this season by an average of over 35 points, even against formidable opponents like Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
On the other hand, Ball State has been strong at home, boasting a 3-0 record, including a significant upset against MAC contender Ohio. The Cardinals’ defense has been bolstered by standout player Nathan Voorhis, who ranks second in the nation with 10 sacks. Kent State currently holds the MAC’s worst scoring defense, allowing an average of 36.5 points per game.
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As the MAC continues to showcase its midweek football, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if the Huskies can maintain their competitive edge against Toledo and if Ball State can defend their home turf against Kent State.
