After Northern Illinois pulled off one of the biggest upsets in program history with a win at Notre Dame, the Huskies appeared to be one of the best teams in the Group of Five.
But NIU fell the very next week, 23-20 in overtime against Buffalo. Things easily could’ve changed for the worse after an emotional rollercoaster like that.
But head coach Thomas Hammock kept the program on track. The Huskies went 8-5 overall and finished the year out with a 28-20 double-overtime triumph over Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
There’s reason to believe NIU will have another solid season in 2025, and the Huskies will certainly be looking for a strong start in Week 1.
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Holy Cross vs. Northern Illinois Betting Odds
Northern Illinois is a -13.5 college football betting odds favorite against Holy Cross, with the Over/Under being 49.5.
The moneyline for Holy Cross is +375, while it’s -500 for Northern Illinois.
Holy Cross vs. Northern Illinois On TV
The matchup between Holy Cross and Northern Illinois will be televised on ESPN+.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, Illinois.
Holy Cross vs. Northern Illinois Prediction
I predict Northern Illinois will win and cover the 13.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 49.5 points.
NIU’s previous backup, Josh Holst, will take over the starting quarterback role. He threw for 593 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions on a 58.6% completion rate to go with 230 yards and one touchdown rushing in 2024. I think he’ll have a decent performance against Holy Cross.
Telly Johnson Jr. is the team’s returning leading rusher after recording 480 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2024. Roy Williams will be one of the Huskies’ leaders on defense. The second-team All-MAC defensive lineman recorded 38 tackles, 6.5 for loss, with 6.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 2024.
The Huskies did make a few additions through the transfer portal as well, and they may need those new players to make immediate contributions. But I think NIU has enough talented players to pull away after halftime.
