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Toledo @ Northern Illinois Preview

Good Afternoon Hustle Belt!

As an avid fan of college football and writer for The Champaign Room here on SB Nation, I figured I would share my quick preview on tonight's match-up between the NIU Huskies and the Toledo Rockets. I will be in attendance for tonight's game thanks to the NIU Marching Band, and I really am excited to see a Northern game LIVE instead of on ESPN.

The Breakdown:

Northern Illinois Huskies: Scores an average of 32 points per game, gives up 25.7 points per game (or 392 yards per game/ 5.45 yards per play), and is +5 in the turnover margin. They also average 6.6 penalties a game for an average of 63.56 penalty yards per game.

Toledo Rockets: Scores an average of 34.4 points per game, gives up 32.1 points per game (or 437 yards per game/6.06 yards per play), and is -3 in the turnover margin. They also average 6.1 penalties a game for an average of 53.56 penalty yards per game.

***What does all of this mean?***

Well, for someone who hasn't watched a TON of MAC football this season, it means that these two teams are going to play a very close game this evening. For Toledo to be successful, they need to limit their turnovers and continue their success on offense. It's never easy winning a rivalry game on the road, but limiting penalties and turnovers will allow the Rockets to control the clock and put pressure on a Huskie team that hasn't faired well coming from behind this season.

BUT, since I will be rooting for Northern, I'd like to see them takeaway the ball from the Toledo offense and continue their stingy play on defense. Since the weather will be cold and windy tonight, one would think that both offenses will limit their passing attack which decides the game on the ground.

Since Toledo's turnover margin has been dominated by fumbles this season, I'm calling for a costly turnover late to give Northern the win 31-28.

Thanks for reading guys, looking forward to a GREAT game tonight!

This post was submitted by one of our esteemed readers and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or thoughts of Hustle Belt or SB Nation.