Northern Illinois at Western Michigan (-5.5) - 4:00pm Pacific - Saturday - Game #359-360

Despite having a losing record, Western Michigan was an elite team in the MAC last year.  They were somewhat unlucky in all four of their conference losses.  They held late leads in three games only to give up a touchdown in the final 70 seconds or less, including narrow defeats to the conference's two best teams, Ball State and Central Michigan.  Western Michigan was visually one of the more physical teams in the conference last year and return 17 starters (most since 1999), including junior QB Hiller, top WR Simmons, top RB West, and almost their entire defense, so they will again be a major contender.  The Broncos ran into a buzzsaw at Nebraska last week as the Huskers were sky high for Bo Pelini's head coaching debut but still showed flashes at times, racking up 350 yards and 24 points.  It is Bill Cubit's fourth year here and this is a home game they have to have against a fellow MAC West opponent in their only conference game before week five.  NIU is coming off a 2-10 season and breaking in an entirely new coaching staff.  First year coach Kill noted before last game that he was still trying to get to know his team.  Senior starting QB Nicholson is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and redshirt freshman QB Harnish got the starting nod in the season opener.  Harnish had good numbers against a suspect Minnesota secondary but showed his inexperience at times as well.  Starting him over Nicholson may be best for the future of the team but it does not give them their best chance to win this week, particularly on the road in first conference game.  NIU standout defensive end Larry English was diagnosed with a sprained thumb after last game, will likely play this week, but may have to wear protection.  The Broncos have more talent, are playing at home, and are much more cohesive at this stage with a third year starting QB and fourth year head coach.  Give the points.

Play: #360 Western Michigan -5.5 for 1 UNIT

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