The UMass Minutemen will travel to face the Northern Illinois Huskies in a crucial midseason matchup. UMass enters the game with a 1-4 record, coming off a heartbreaking 23-20 overtime loss to Miami (OH). The Minutemen have had a rough start to the season, with their only victory coming against Central Connecticut State. UMass quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has been the team’s main offensive weapon, throwing for 1,017 yards and five touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 226 yards. Despite these efforts, UMass has struggled to generate consistent offense, averaging only 19 points per game. Their defense has been respectable, allowing 30.8 points per game, but they have had difficulty stopping strong rushing attacks, which could be a major issue against a run-heavy Northern Illinois team.

The Minutemen rank tied for 34th in FBS in total defense, allowing 308.6 yards per game, and have been effective on third down, holding opponents to a 32.2% conversion rate. Northern Illinois, meanwhile, has been solid at 2-2, with a strong start that includes a notable victory over Notre Dame. Quarterback Ethan Hampton has been efficient, throwing for 879 yards and seven touchdowns. The Huskies’ ground game, led by Antario Brown with 355 rushing yards, has been a key component of their offensive success, helping them average 197.8 rushing yards per game. The key for Northern Illinois will be to establish their run game early and control the clock. If the Huskies can avoid turnovers—something that plagued them in their recent loss to NC State—they should be able to take control of the game and cover the spread. For UMass, the key will be to slow down Brown and force Hampton into passing situations, where they can take advantage of his inconsistencies.