The Huskies have by far the best defense in the MAC, ranking No. 7 in the entire country last year. NIU lost four out of its six top tacklers but returned eight of their top 12. I have NIU the No. 1 overall team in the MAC and Central Michigan the 10th best team out of 12. The Huskies prepped for conference against Iowa and Utah. Central Michigan lost at home to Kansas. CMU has beaten Northern Illinois four straight years so expect an ultra-focused Husky team.

After watching Central Michigan help Kansas put an end to its 46-game road losing streak last week I couldn't blame you if you weren't willing to trust the Chippewas here. I am, however, because Northern Illinois' offense has been non-existent to start the season. The Huskies have scored one touchdown in two games, and only have one play greater than 10 yards. If you can't score it's hard to cover two touchdowns.