This seems to be the year for keeping streaks in the MAC going and for the past several years the winner of the UT-NIU game has played at Ford Field for the MACC so I have no reason to believe that this year will be different, Of course I'm hoping for a WMU victory, but I can see the Broncos shooting themselves in the foot as they are wont to do and NIU pulling it off once again. Of course a NIU win tonight doesn't seal the deal just yet, but WMU has a much better chance to beat NIU than does Ohio.

Prediction: NIU 24, WMU 21 with WMU turning the ball over late in the game in the Red Zone as they appeared to be going in for the winning score.

As time goes by, NIU reminds me more and more of Marshall during their tenure in the MAC------"Marshall wins the important games" and therefore "Marshall always plays for championships" as our Marshall friends use to frequently remind everyone in earshot----and it you think about it, they were right ----their 42-0 loss to the Rockets in 2000 didn't prevent Marshall from winning the MACC that year.

NIU has that same knack---lose a game here and there, but always wins the games that will determine playing for a MACC----a gift that the Rockets unfortunately lack. However, whereas the Marshall fans were supremely confident that Marshall would always prevail, and thus always came across as being insufferably arrogant and obnoxious, OTOH the NIU fans seem far more unsure about their team's potential at the start of new each season and always appear to be genuinely surprised and grateful for their team's success year after year after year.

While I'm hoping for a WMU win, I believe NIU will win by 7. NIU's backup QB would be the starter for over 1/2 of the MAC this season. NIU's D will come through in the 4Q. WMU has played tough but lost some games late.

(11-18-2015 02:29 PM)42 of Blue Crew Wrote:  While I'm hoping for a WMU win, I believe NIU will win by 7. NIU's backup QB would be the starter for over 1/2 of the MAC this season. NIU's D will come through in the 4Q. WMU has played tough but lost some games late.

I believe the Rockets relaxed and lost focus when Hare went out.
UT didn't really pressure Graham like they should have. Also, on the two long passes for NIU, Rockets dropped into coverage and gave Hare too much time.

I predict a 26-24 NIU victory on a last second FG whose drive was aided by a questionable penalty called by MAC officials.

(11-18-2015 06:05 PM)therockets046 Wrote:  I predict a 26-24 NIU victory on a last second FG whose drive was aided by a questionable penalty called by MAC officials.

Damn, funny how I already feel my heart sink.

(11-18-2015 01:14 PM)Mark26pt2 Wrote:  NIU will win 42-21. Right now there are wind gusts in DeKalb of 40-50 mph (7 hours before kick-off). This will limit the passing attack. NIU running game and WMU are both good. However, NIU defense is giving up only 3.8 yards/attempt while WMU is giving up 5.1 yards per attempt. I think NIU will run it all night.

Wow, it is pretty windy over there. Might not be as many points as I initially thought. Looks like they are now showing 20 MPH winds out of the SW during the game and wind gusts higher than that. Should be an interesting game to say the least!

Well the oarsmen won the first set of possessions. Gotta start some where

Western is getting boat raced.

They're a joke.

Welp now to hope for extreme maction, if you will

It's a pretty even game actually. Don't give up hope yet!

Western QB looks tentative. Why didn't he just try to run it? A good opportunity blown right before the half.

Yeah, he needed to throw it quick on both of those plays.

Feels like the usual game NIU grinds out.

Northern will win, I think. Still would be a big game for the Rockets next week. Significant difference between finishing 2nd and 3rd in the Division.

3Q score - WMU 19, NIU 14

4Q score - NIU 20, WMU 19

(11-18-2015 09:51 AM)NIU05 Wrote:  WMU is the better team this year, hope the better team does not win. We don't have our QB, Drew Hare, how can we expect my beloved to win?

Agree with this guy.
NIU clearly overmatched and therefore will probably win

WMU'S boat just sprung a leak. Freaking first and goal and four dumb play calls.

Nobody really expected WMU to win this game.?

(11-18-2015 11:24 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  Nobody really expected WMU to win this game.?

nah, but would of been nice

WMU's OL is terrible.