Northern Illinois vs Kentucky Week 4 Game Info
2022 NCAA College Football Game
Northern Illinois Huskies (1-2) vs.'Kentuck y Wildcats (3-0)
Date:'Saturday, Sept. 22, 2022
Time:'7:00 p.m. ET
Venue:'Kroger Field – Lexington, KY
Coverage:'ESPN2
Week 4 of the 2022 NCAA college football season includes a non-conference clash between the Northern Illinois Huskies from the MAC and Kentucky Wildcats out of the SEC. Kentucky is undefeated at 3-0 and up to No. 8 in the AP Poll after a 31-0 shutout of FCS Youngstown State. The Wildcats won at Florida the week prior, 26-18.
Meanwhile, Northern Illinois defense is deficient and struggling for the third straight year under head coach Thomas Hammock. The Huskies lost in the final minute at Tulsa 38-35 against the Golden Hurricanes explosive pass attack, an d then last week a 38-28 home loss to Vanderbilt after blowing a 28-14 third quarter lead.
Northern Illinois vs Kentucky Odds & Spread
Moneyline:'NIU: (+1280) | UK (-3500)
Spread:'NIU: +25.5 (-108) | UK: -25.5 (-112)
Total:'52.5 -'Over: (-112) | Under: (-108)
Kentucky enters this contest as a huge favorite on the moneyline and the spread. This Saturday night clash in Lexington also features a total of 52.5 points, which is a little below average compared to this week's college football projected totals.
Northern Illinois vs Kentucky Prediction & Pick
How much energy and effort will Kentucky provide with Ole Miss on deck after an easy 31-0 shutout win over FCS Youngstown State? Kentucky's offense still has some questions concerning the running game and the play of the offensive line. The Wildcats had just 103 rushing yards on 36 carries against YSU, and 109 yards rushing on 37 carries in the road win at Florida as they continue to miss top RB Chris Rodriguez.
But the Huskies defense is deficient having allowed 103 points in three games. That includes a 38-35 loss at Tulsa followed by a 38-28 home loss to Vanderbilt last week – the worst team in the SEC. Still an inflated line favoring Kentu cky is justified against Northern Illinois with their defensive deficiencies.
Final Score Prediction:'Kentucky: 40 | Northern Illinois: 13
Northern Illinois vs Kentucky Betting Trends
- Northern Illinois is 1-11 straight up (SU) vs SEC foes, but 10-2 against the spread (ATS).
- The total has hit the over in all thee of NIU's games this year, and 6 of their last 7 overall.
- Kentucky is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
- Kentucky is 10-1 SU in their last 11 home games.
- The total has gone Under in 4 of Kentucky's last 5 games.
Northern Illinois vs Kentucky Best Bet
Northern Illinois will take their medicine against a solid SEC entrant before their conference opener next week at Ball State. The Huskies offense has been fine with QB Rocky Lombardi, but he's not near the class of Kentucky pro prospect QB Will Levis, who should pass for well over 300 yards if he plays the full game.
Northern Illinois will have trouble getting their defense off the field, and the Huskies will wear down against a superior foe. Lean Kentucky's way despite the inflated line.