Northern Illinois and Boise State is really quite the match up on paper. We all know the Boise State story of WAC/MWC success, Power 5 wins and Fiesta Bowls. Boise State is the Group of 5 leader by a longshot. But, right after Boise State comes Northern Illinois. Consider their resume:
Only Oregon and NIU won at least 11 games each season 2010-14.
The Huskies are the only team in FBS to make their Conference Championship game the last 6 years.
Since the 2010 season, NIU has won 65 games, close Tops in FBS.
Their loss to Ohio on Nov 11 2015 was the first Nov loss in 6 years.
They made the 2012 Orange Bowl but lost to Florida State 31-10.
Maybe since both Bowling Green and Toledo lost their coaches, this is the team with the best chance to beat Boise State.
BUT, the Huskies are having huge QB issues.
Starter Drew Hare suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon vs Toledo on Nov. 3. Experienced backup Anthony Maddie, a junior, was lost for the season in September with back surgery. Redshirt freshman Ryan Graham, who led NIU to 3 wins, injured his leg in a loss to Ohio on Nov. 24. So, 4th string walk on Tommy Fiedler was pressed into action vs Bowling Green and went 12-28 with 3 interceptions. They hope to get their 3rd stringer back for Boise State.
So, NIU better run the ball and run it well. NIU beat UNLV 38-30 to open the season and lost 20-13 to Ohio State the 3rd game of the year.
