After nearly being giant-killers in Week 3, the Boston College Eagles (2-1) and Northern Illinois Huskies (2-1) take aim at one another this Saturday. Check out the Boston College vs. Northern Illinois prediction and game preview.

Boston College vs. Norther Illinois Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

It’s the Moral Victory Bowl as Boston College and Northern Illinois meet a week after both nearly authored epic upsets. Where will each team’s head be following emotionally draining defeats? The Eagles battled hard against Florida State, yielding just one first-quarter offensive touchdown in a 14-0 loss. The Huskies were even more impressive, coming within a touchdown of a historic upset of top-ranked Ohio State in Columbus. The combatants are similar in their styles, hard-working, blue-collar and well coached.

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The Huskies are a rugged defensive team that just held the mighty Buckeyes to one offensive touchdown and 2-of-13 on third downs. LB Boomer Mays and DE Perez Ford anchor the front seven, stuffing the run and pressuring the pocket, respectively. And unlike BC, which lost starting QB Darius Wade to an ankle injury, Northern Illinois will have its steady veteran, Drew Hare, taking snaps.

Why Boston College Will Win

The defense continues to play as well as anyone in the country. The Eagles lead the FBS in total defense and yards per play—by more than a yard. Holding the Seminoles to 217 yards served proof that BC is not the product of its early-season competition. Northern Illinois couldn’t move the ball on Ohio State, and also won’t against an Eagle D getting stellar play from LB Steven Daniels and DE Harold Landry.

Player Who Matters

BC head coach Steve Addazio is deciding whether to tab redshirt freshman Troy Flutie, Doug’s nephew, or true freshman Jeff Smith as Wade’s successor. Naturally, Flutie is a year ahead with the playbook and personnel. Smith is a read-option playmaker who’s already rushed for 97 yards and three scores. Either way, expect to see a heavy dose of the backs, Jon Hilliman, Myles Willis and Tyler Rouse.

What’s Going To Happen?

Two very similar teams will arrive on the Heights with two very similar blueprints for success. And their scores will be similar, too. BC and Northern Illinois will tussle like a couple of prize fighters, neither having much success on offense. The Eagles’ backfield trio will outplay Huskie RB Joel Bouagnon to squeak out a win in another low-scoring alley fight.

Boston College vs. Northern Illinois Prediction

Prediction: Boston College 20, Northern Illinois 17, Line: Boston College -4, o/u: 47
Must See Rating: 5: 99 Homes – 1: The Intern … 3.5 

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections After Week 3