Predictions, Picks & Odds for Northern Illinois vs Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

• Bowl season rolls along with The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl featuring the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Fresno State Bulldogs
• The Huskies are a 3-point favorites on Monday afternoon
• See the Northern Illinois vs Fresno State prediction, picks, and odds on Dec. 23

Dry conditions and partly sunny weather are expected on Monday afternoon when Northern Illinois (7-5, 8-5 ATS) and Fresno State (6-6, 6-5-1 ATS) meet in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The Huskies have been around a field goal favorite since the matchup was first announced. Action gets underway at 2:30 pm ET, televised on ESPN.

Northern Illinois vs Fresno State Odds

This is an intriguing line with two schools who don’t see each other often. Are the Huskies getting recognition here because of their win over Notre Dame early in the season? Maybe that’s why Northern Illinois is a 3-point favorite in the latest college football odds.

Odds as of Dec. 22 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Be sure to claim the DraftKings Sportsbook promo code before making a bet on any college football playoff action.

Fresno State limps into this game some losing three of their last four games. Northern Illinois split their final ten games (5-5) after beating Notre Dame in South Bend.

As always, be aware of the NCAAF injuries and opt-outs. Both teams have 10+ players heading into the transfer portal. Mikey Keene is one of those players and that is a significant blow for Fresno State. Ethan Hampton has done the same for Northern Illinois. Quite a bit of offensive punch is gone from this game.

Picking up the Transfer Portal Ashes

With a total of 21 confirmed players heading into the transfer portal, that creates quite a dilemma for bettors and sportsbooks alike. How do you assess teams that have so many players out? Sure, younger players will get a chance on a grand stage to show what they can do. On the other hand, the game total is now a mere 40 and it might potentially dip a little lower.

Again, both teams seem to be headed in opposite directions. However, James Madison taught us a thing or two about that the other day when the Dukes defeated Western Kentucky. Losing Trayvon Rudolph is significant for the Huskies as he was their leading receiver.

Asked Bret Bielema about NIU transfer QB Ethan Hampton.

“You just see the spirit that he plays with, very live arm… More than anything he’s a good fit culturally… A Chicago kid that to be at Illinois means a lot to him.”

Hampton threw for 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns in… pic.twitter.com/PIMMb7g0al

— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) December 20, 2024

Now, the Fresno State Bulldogs lost Mikey Keene like we mentioned. Besides one of the top MWC quarterbacks, Raylen Sharpe and his 500+ receiving yards will not be playing in this game either. Fresno State lost several starters from their Front Seven if that was not enough.

Northern Illinois Has a Slight Advantage

For Northern Illinois, at least Josh Hoist has thrown 81 passes this year. The Fresno State quarterbacks have tossed a grand total of six attempts from the depth chart. Another key fact is the defense. The Huskies give up a mere 18.5 points per game. Now, that ranks 15th in the nation. A MAC vs. MWC matchup is pretty much two similar teams here. A slight advantage tilts the way of the MAC err Huskies.

Offensively, Northern Illinois might squeeze out a few more plays. Gavin Williams does not get a lot of reps but has some game-breaking ability. He has three touchdowns in his last four games and faces a Fresno State defense that could be a bit more porous.

Fresno State and Tim Skipper will be ready but will enough hands on deck be able to help?

Northern Illinois vs Fresno State Prediction

• Northern Illinois -2.5 at FanDuel
• Under 39.5 at DraftKings

Honestly, this game could get very ugly one way or the other. There could be no scoring or a lot. With so much depth and starting quarterbacks missing, it will be a challenge to figure out where the points come from.

Again, the system the Huskies play translates well to this type of game. Expect a lower-scoring game as the two teams play closer to the vest on Monday afternoon. This could come down to a field goal.

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is set to feature a matchup between the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Fresno State Bulldogs. Both teams will be looking to end their season on a high note with a victory in this bowl game. Let’s take a closer look at the predictions, picks, and odds for this exciting matchup.

Northern Illinois comes into this game with a record of 8-4, finishing second in the MAC West division. The Huskies have been led by a strong defense that ranks 16th in the nation in points allowed per game. On offense, they are led by quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Northern Illinois will look to control the game with their defense and establish a balanced offensive attack against Fresno State.

Fresno State, on the other hand, finished the season with a record of 9-3, earning second place in the Mountain West Conference’s West division. The Bulldogs have been led by quarterback Jake Haener, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns this season. Fresno State boasts a high-powered offense that ranks 10th in the nation in points scored per game. The Bulldogs will look to exploit Northern Illinois’ defense with their passing attack and put up points early and often.

In terms of predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have strong defenses and potent offenses that can put up points in a hurry. It will likely come down to which team can make key stops on defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities on offense.

As for picks, Fresno State comes into this game as the favorite with odds of -6.5. The Bulldogs have been more consistent on offense throughout the season and have the firepower to outscore Northern Illinois. However, the Huskies’ defense could keep them in the game and potentially pull off an upset.

Overall, this matchup between Northern Illinois and Fresno State is sure to be an exciting one. With both teams looking to end their season on a high note, fans can expect a competitive and entertaining game in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.