Away Team
Record 0-2
Last 5 1-4 last five
ATS 0-2-0 ATS
Road 0-1 road
Standings
CFB Game Preview
Schedule
Kickoff Countdown
5d 10:51:45
Start Time 10:30 PM EST
Date September 19, 2026
Venue Casino Del Sol Stadium
Where To Watch TNT
Where To Stream HBO Max
Season Series First meeting.

Arizona returns home laying roughly five touchdowns after a 28-17 loss at BYU, while winless Northern Illinois arrives off an FCS upset loss. The spread demands a four-quarter blowout from a Wildcats team still 0-2 ATS.

Home Team
Record 1-1
Last 5 3-2 last five
ATS 0-2-0 ATS
Home 1-0 home
Analysis Updated: 8:16 AM ET
Injuries Checked: 8:14 AM ET
Odds Updated: 11:34 AM ET

Betting Snapshot

Spread
ARIZ -34.5
Open: ARIZ -35.5
Market Tightening

Spread Movement

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Odds Updated: 9/14 11:34 AM ET
Moneyline
Open:

Moneyline Movement

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Odds Updated: 9/14 11:34 AM ET
Total
49.5
Open: 49.5
Total Steady

Total Movement

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Odds Updated: 9/14 11:34 AM ET

Best Free Prop Pick

FREE PROP
Remi's Still Searching
Fifita Over 1.5 passing touchdowns is backed by two scores in Arizona's home opener. Fifita Over 1.5 passing touchdowns targets an NIU defense allowing 34.0 points per game. Fifita Over 1.5 passing touchdowns benefits from Arizona's 35.5-point favorite game script.

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Best Home Spread
BetOnline.ag | ARIZ -34
Best Home Moneyline
FanDuel | ARIZ -10000
Best Over Line
FanDuel | 49.5
Best Away Spread
FanDuel | NILL +34.5
Best Away Moneyline
BetMGM | NILL +4500
Best Under Line
BetRivers | 50.5
Updated 11:34 AM ET
Sportsbook Spread Moneyline Total
FanDuelNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
NILL +2500
ARIZ -10000
O 49.5
U 49.5
DraftKingsNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
O 49.5
U 49.5
BetMGMNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
NILL +4500
ARIZ -35000
O 49.5
U 49.5
BetRiversNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
O 50.5
U 50.5
BovadaNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
O 50
U 50
BetOnline.agNILL +34
ARIZ -34
O 49.5
U 49.5
LowVig.agNILL +34
ARIZ -34
O 49.5
U 49.5
BetUSNILL +34
ARIZ -34
O 49.5
U 49.5
CaesarsNILL +34.5
ARIZ -34.5
O 49.5
U 49.5

Injury Report

Arizona wide receiver Giovanni Richardson left the BYU loss and did not return, and coach Brent Brennan described the injury as significant afterward. Richardson had 48 receiving yards before exiting and is the main availability concern entering NIU week. Northern Illinois had no players listed on its current public injury report.

Key Players

Northern Illinois
Telly Johnson Jr.
Rushed 22 times for 83 yards and a touchdown against Illinois State.
Arizona
Noah Fifita
Completed 23 of 31 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Key Matchup Edge

Arizona's clearest edge is offensive efficiency against an NIU defense that has surrendered 68 points through two games. Fifita has reached at least 230 passing yards in both starts, while NIU has scored only 24 points all season. The betting question is whether Arizona sustains tempo long enough to clear 35.5 before backups take over.

3 Things to Watch

  • Arizona's response after a scoreless second half
  • NIU protection against Arizona's pass rush
  • Richardson availability reshapes Arizona's receiver rotation

Betting Breakdown

Arizona returns to Tucson in a classic favorite-or-pass spot. The Wildcats are 1-1 after a 35-7 home win over Northern Arizona and a 28-17 road loss at BYU, but they are 0-2 ATS and now must cover roughly five touchdowns. Northern Illinois is 0-2 overall and 0-2 ATS, opening with a 40-0 loss at Iowa before falling 28-24 at home to FCS Illinois State. NIU showed more life in Week 2, with Telly Johnson Jr. rushing for 83 yards and Taron Dickens throwing for 193, yet the Huskies still failed to finish a late drive. Arizona's advantage starts with Noah Fifita, who has 492 passing yards through two games and faces a defense allowing 34.0 points per game. The wrinkle is game script: Arizona can dominate and still miss a 35.5-point number if the pace slows or reserves handle much of the second half. Bettors should weigh the huge talent gap against Arizona's early inability to cover.

Northern Illinois Betting Outlook

Northern Illinois needs its Week 2 offensive improvement to travel. The Huskies were held to 120 total yards at Iowa, then leaned on Telly Johnson Jr. for 83 rushing yards and a touchdown against Illinois State while Taron Dickens threw for 193 yards. The problem is protection and finishing drives. NIU is 0-2 ATS, has been outscored 68-24, and now faces a road favorite priced above five touchdowns. A slower, run-heavy plan gives the Huskies their best chance to shorten the game and protect a massive number, but falling behind early would force Dickens into obvious passing situations against an Arizona defense that can create pressure.

Arizona Betting Outlook

Arizona is back home with a major class edge but a difficult betting assignment. Noah Fifita has thrown for 492 yards through two starts and should find cleaner opportunities than he saw at BYU, where the Wildcats were shut out after halftime. Arizona is 1-0 at Casino Del Sol Stadium but 0-2 ATS overall, so simply controlling NIU is not enough at -35.5. The status of Giovanni Richardson matters because he was Arizona's leading receiver before leaving the BYU game, but the Wildcats still have enough depth to attack an NIU defense that has allowed 34.0 points per game. The key for favorite backers is sustained urgency after Arizona builds separation.

Latest Team Buzz

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats FAQ

What is the current spread for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The current home spread is ARIZ -34.5, while the away spread is NILL +34.5.

How far has the spread moved for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The spread opened at ARIZ -35.5 and is now ARIZ -34.5.

What is the current moneyline for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The current moneyline is / .

How far has the moneyline moved for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The moneyline opened at / and is now / .

What is the current total for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The current total is 49.5.

How far has the total moved for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

The total opened at 49.5 and is now 49.5.

Is the market taking the underdog in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Current market signal: Market Tightening.

Is the market taking the favorite in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Current market signal: .

Is the total dropping for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Current totals signal: Total Steady.

Is the total rising for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Current totals signal: Total Steady.

Where to watch Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

You can watch this game on TNT. For the latest broadcast details, see Where to Watch.

Where to stream Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

You can stream this game on HBO Max.

What is the best free prop bet for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Remi's Still Searching

What is the biggest matchup edge for Northern Illinois Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats?

Arizona's clearest edge is offensive efficiency against an NIU defense that has surrendered 68 points through two games. Fifita has reached at least 230 passing yards in both starts, while NIU has scored only 24 points all season. The betting question is whether Arizona sustains tempo long enough to clear 35.5 before backups take over.

REMI AI PERFORMANCE

CFB Past Picks

Remi—our in-house AI—prices every game and prop using multi-season priors, tempo/efficiency, injury/usage signals, and market movement. We publish fair prices, recommended “buy-to” numbers, and confidence so you can bet prices, not teams.

Matchup Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Arizona Wildcats
Game Date September 19, 2026
Venue Casino Del Sol Stadium
RECENT COMPLETED PICKS

AI CFB PAST PICKS

30-21 58.8% WIN
GAME
LEAN
WIN %
UNITS
RESULT
ALBANY@BUFF
ALBANY +18.5
54.1%
4
WIN
ALBANY@BUFF
UNDER 47.5
57.1%
7
WIN
UAB@ILL
KATIN HOUSER OVER 18.5 PASS COMP
54.2%
4
LOSS
HAWAII@STNFRD
HAWAII +4.5
54.8%
4
LOSS
MEMP@UNLV
UNLV -4
53.2%
3
LOSS
SJST@USC
OVER 61.5
57.0%
6
WIN
JAXST@NDAKST
UNDER 46.5
56.8%
6
WIN
NCST@UVA
CJ BAILEY OVER 29.5 PASS ATT
54.2%
4
LOSS
MIAMI@IND
ROMAN HEMBY UNDER 15.5 RUSH ATT
55.2%
5
LOSS
OLEMISS@GEORGIA
KEWAN LACY ANYTIME TD
56.7%
6
WIN
BAMA@IND
FERNANDO MENDOZA UNDER 26.5 PASS ATT
55.2%
5
WIN
OREG@TXTECH
OREG -126
58.9%
6
WIN
NEB@UTAH
DEVON DAMPIER UNDER 185.5 PASS YDS
53.4%
3
LOSS
NOTEX@SDGST
NOTEX -7
54.2%
4
LOSS
BAMA@OKLA
ISAIAH SATEGNA III ANYTIME TD
54.2%
4
WIN
BYU@TTU
PARKER KINGSTON OVER 20.5 LONGEST RECEPTION
54.3%
4
WIN
UNLV@BOISE
BOISE -4.5
56.7%
6
WIN
ECU@FAU
FAU +7
57.8%
7
LOSS
OREG@WASH
WASH +7
54.9%
4
LOSS
WYO@HAWAII
WYO +7.5
55.1%
5
LOSS
COLO@KSTATE
COLO +17.5
54.0%
4
WIN
OHIOST@MICH
MICH +10.5
56.4%
6
LOSS
VATECH@UVA
VATECH +8
57.8%
7
LOSS
NWEST@ILL
LUKE ALTMYER UNDER 19.5 PASS COMP
54.3%
4
WIN
ORE@WAS
DEMOND WILLIAMS JR UNDER 43.5 RUSH YDS
55.2%
5
WIN
MIAMI@VATECH
VATECH +18.5
54.2%
4
WIN
GAST@TROY
TROY -9.5
55.7%
5
WIN
DEL@WAKE
DEL +18
56.7%
6
LOSS
NMEX@AF
NMEX -3.5
56.1%
5
WIN
WASHST@JMAD
WASHST +14.5
55.3%
5
WIN
ILL@WISC
WISC +9
55.1%
5
WIN
WKY@LSU
WKY +23.5
56.3%
6
WIN
WASH@UCLA
DEMOND WILLIAMS UNDER 27.5 PASS ATT
56.3%
6
WIN
TCU@HOU
AMARE THOMAS OVER 69.5 RECV YDS
55.2%
5
WIN
TEX@UGA
NATE FRAZIER UNDER 65.5 RUSH + REC YDS
55.5%
5
WIN
PUR@WASH
ANTONIO HARRIS UNDER 73.5 RUSH + REC YDS
54.1%
4
WIN
UVA@DUKE
DUKE -3.5
54.7%
3
LOSS
OKLA@BAMA
BAMA -6
54.5%
3
LOSS
OREGST@TULSA
OREGST -120
55.6%
5
LOSS
UTEP@MIZZST
MIZZST -5
54.3%
4
WIN
COLOST@NMEX
NMEX -14
57.1%
6
LOSS
PSU@MICHST
MICHST +7.5
56.5%
6
LOSS
MISSST@MIZZOU
MISSST +7.5
57.2%
7
LOSS
FAU@TULANE
FAU +17.5
56.0%
6
WIN
NCST@MIAMI
NCST +15.5
57.1%
7
LOSS
KENTST@AKRON
AKRON -6.5
55.4%
5
LOSS
JAXST@UTEP
JAXST -105
57.0%
7
WIN
FSU@CLEM
CLEM -118
57.1%
5
WIN
UNLV@COLOST
UNLV -4
55.2%
5
WIN
OREG@IOWA
IOWA +6.5
53.3%
2
WIN
NEB@UCLA
NEB +1.5
55.8%
5
WIN
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Picks are displayed for informational purposes only.