NIU Predictions

kdog27 · Post by **kdog27** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 2:56 pm

BGSU 37
NIU 30

I think it will be a classic this time. The last two were pretty much decided in the first half. I don't see that happening this year.

BGSU33 · Post by **BGSU33** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 7:52 pm

Man, I am so nervous about this game, it's really hard for me to make a pick right now. This game is HUGE!!! I really believe whatever we do in this game will set the tone for us this season. I think if we win, we'll win the MAC. But if we lose, we finish runner-up in the MAC. That's just my opinion, and that's why this game scares me so much.

This is certainly one of those "Heart & Gut" picks for me, where my heart is telling me one thing, but my gut is telling me another. NIU came into this season expected to be pretty good, and they have looked pretty good. Yeah, they're 1-2, but they lost a 3-point game at Top-25 Maryland and lost a 7-point game to Iowa State, both on the road. They won a close 1-point game with #1 ranked (in I-AA) Southern Illinois in a game they led by double figures but didn't put away. NIU is also playing without its starting QB Josh Haldi all season (but he'll probably play vs. BG). And one one of the other factors is, NIU will be playing at home where it hasn't lost since the 2002 season and has run-off eight consecutive wins the last two years.

My heart says:
BG 33
NIU 30

My gut says:
BG 24
NIU 31

I've got to go with my heart......I just hope it's right!

Bleeding Orange · Post by **Bleeding Orange** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 8:17 pm

Don't get so down BGSU33! Yes, Haldi may be back, but with bum wheels how mobile do you think he will be? Plus, with Leinenger coming back, we will be that much more skilled on the D-line. I have complete faith in our linebacking corps to stop the run, as well. And, with Keon out in the secondary, I can't help but be positive about that area of the field, either.

On the offensive side, I'm not sure of Magner's status, but he will have had two weeks to heal and study up on NIU's coverage. Chuck is just unbelievable. Omar is our next Heisman candidate. Our running game is deep, though we haven't had to rely on it to any degree at all in the first two games.

The only doubt I have about our boys is where they may be mentally after the tragic passing of Aaron last week. That could affect us negatively, but I would like to think that it gives us something special to play for.

Anyhow, here it is:

BGSU - 34
NIU - 17

And, to any NIU fans that may happen upon this, do your best to keep your fans civil, no matter what the outcome of the game is. Rivalries are fun, but lets not go Big 10 on each other. There is a reason why everyone outside of the midwest hates the Big Ten...

GoFalcons4 · Post by **GoFalcons4** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:20 pm

BG by 10

BGSUfanatUT · Post by **BGSUfanatUT** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:28 pm

Bleeding Orange wrote: There is a reason why everyone outside of the midwest hates the Big Ten...

yes, because ohio state is in the big ten(11)

BGSU Falconz · Post by **BGSU Falconz** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 10:21 pm

I feel a lot better about this game than I did in 2002 (or even 2003, for that matter). I don't think NIU is, overall, as talented as BG this year. They lost some talent last year, and may have to play their backup again for this game. If Haldi DOES play, it's doubtful he will be at 100%.

I expect a close game, but not the beating we took in 2002 (nor the beating we gave then in 2003), with BG ending up on top.

BelieveNBG · Post by **BelieveNBG** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 11:13 pm

If BG plays aggressive on offense...

BG - 42
NIU - 20

Go BG!!!

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 9:11 am

I'll stick with my original prediction...

Falcons 37, Huskies 28.

GO FALCONS!!!! DEFEND THE WEST TITLE!!!!!

BGSU33 · Post by **BGSU33** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:03 am

I'm not "down" on the team, "I'm" just worried, that's all. I always am, and always will be for big games. I just always remember big games like the "fat-punter tragedy" vs. CMU in 1994 and the "blind-sided ambush vs. NIU" in 2002, and they always make me very nervous. Having to wait two weeks for this game doesn't help matters either. I do think we are the better team, but being better doesn't always mean you'll win. I just hope we come out on top.

BGSUfanatUT · Post by **BGSUfanatUT** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:12 am

BGSU33 wrote:... being better doesn't always mean you'll win. I just hope we come out on top.

*cough* ohio state *cough*

Falconboy · Post by **Falconboy** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:52 pm

If there really good at at running the ball this year agian ,then they could give us fits. I still am not sold on the idea that we can truly shut down any good running teams. Gosh EMU ran all over us last year.Hopefully Leinager's return will be a differnce maker.

falconboy

BGSU_via_UDel · Post by **BGSU_via_UDel** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 5:20 pm

well considering that NIU looked tough against Maryland but then horrible against their next two opponents its REALLY hard for me to make a prediction. I think if both teams play to their potential we win easily, but given that its in NIU and the fans always want blood against us that the pressue could transpire onto the field and cause us to make some stupid mistakes. If that happens then it will be anyones game, but given how posed Jacobs was in Norman of all places I think we win this one easily, in a high scoring affair. Something like 41-24. We really need a big win to get people to pay attention to us ESPECIALLY since its on ESPN2. Also, given how crappy big program teams are playing, and mid-majors like Fresno, Boise, Memphis, Louisville and Utah are getting so much attention albeit funny in my opinion for teams like Boise, Memphis, and Utah since they have played NOONE yet and demand respect because they are 3-0 and yet are down the whole game to teams like UTEP and have to score 20 points in the 4th to avoid losing (Boise State). So yeah that was my rant but I hope we put up 50 and give up 10 and then get the respect we deserve since competing and hanging with OU wasn't good enough lol.

BGGrad01 · Post by **BGGrad01** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:05 pm

We have the best team in the MAC this year (I know that may not mean much) and we'll prove it this Friday. BG wins 45-27.

factman · Post by **factman** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:30 pm

Good guys WIN!!!!

rollalongFF0304 · Post by **rollalongFF0304** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:36 pm

BG up a couple of TDs in the first half, but the crowd wills NIU to make it close in the 4th quarter.

A Suisham FG and strong defensive stand win it in OT.

Keon shuts down Sheldon, but not after another of the kid's long punt returns -- ugh.

NIU Predictions

NIU Predictions

NIU hasn't looked impressive...

How's NIU's running game??