Nevada at Northern Illinois - 2026 Matchup Preview
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Nevada Wolf Pack at Northern Illinois Huskies

Northern Illinois logo
Saturday, November 14th 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium - DeKalb, IL  (Mountain West)

 
Wolf Pack (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Jeff Choate (6 - 19)
Avg Score : 18 - 28 (16 - 30 on Road)
Record Prediction: 3.8 - 8.2 (#91)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 9)
NIU is playing their 6th straight game
NEV is playing their 6th straight game
Our Line: Northern Illinois -3  (SP+ NEV -3.5)

Projected Score: NEV: 20 - NIU: 23 (43)
NIU Win prob: 56% | Cover: 47%
NEV Travel: 1624 miles, 2 hrs behind
Huskies (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Rob Harley (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 17 - 24 (18 - 21 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 3.8 - 8.2 (#91)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 2) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 8)
 
Nevada's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Nevada vs Western Kentucky+12.5
Sat 9/12Nevada vs Montana State-7.5
Sat 9/19Nevada at Middle Tennessee+1.5
Sat 9/26Nevada vs Air Force+6
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/10Nevada at UTEP+4
Sat 10/17Nevada at North Dakota State+18
Sat 10/24Nevada vs San José State-1.5
Sat 10/31Nevada at UCLA+22
Sat 11/7Nevada vs New Mexico+14
Sat 11/14Nevada at Northern Illinois+3
Sat 11/21Nevada vs Hawai'i+12.5
Sat 11/28Nevada at UNLV+20.5

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 2, Bad 4, Poor 5
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 2, Bad 4, Poor 5
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Nevada's Schedule
Northern Illinois's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Northern Illinois at Iowa+35
Sat 9/12Northern Illinois vs Illinois State-7.5
Sat 9/19Northern Illinois at Arizona+27.5
Sat 9/26Northern Illinois at Georgia State-0
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/10Northern Illinois vs Air Force+6
Sat 10/17Northern Illinois at Wyoming+9.5
Sat 10/24Northern Illinois vs Hawai'i+12
Sat 10/31Northern Illinois at UNLV+20.5
Sat 11/7Northern Illinois at San José State+3
Sat 11/14Northern Illinois vs Nevada-3
Sat 11/21Northern Illinois at North Dakota State+17.5
Sat 11/28Northern Illinois vs UTEP-1.5

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 6
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 6
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Northern Illinois's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NEV#129 (.02)37% (124)17.637% (123)2.83 (86)15536% (118)1472.67 (133)#94 (.19)44% (93)27.544% (85)43% (96)4.15 (112)45.22.31.3
NIU#126 (.04)34% (132)17.138% (116)2.84 (84)18628% (136)993.04 (121)#86 (.19)44% (100)24.346% (111)41% (65)3.45 (49)380.91.1
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NEV0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
NIU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NEV Offense1217.615.536.6%2.672.3173021551474.556%42%37%36%17%.02
NIU Defense1224.320.844.1%3.451.1 - - - - - 58%40%46%41%11%.19
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NEV Defense1227.529.843.5%4.151.3 - - - - - 50%48%44%43%14%.19
NIU Offense1217.117.834.5%3.040.915284186994.565%34%38%28%13%.04

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Nevada1230:1917.332%54%5.345.22.31.35.31.6330.4
Northern Illinois1229:131532%59%4.3380.91.13.31.2127.3
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NEV Offense1256% (23)37% (123)34.6155.34.59 (132).07 (92)2.83 (86)72% (68)11% (114)1.04 (36)
NIU Defense1258% (132)46% (111) - - - - .17 (107)3.18 (117)72% (78)7% (134)0.95 (62)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NEV Defense1250% (66)44% (85) - - - - .22 (126)3.08 (104)72% (77)9% (93)1.05 (109)
NIU Offense1265% (6)38% (116)41.4185.64.516 (122).11 (73)2.84 (84)69% (85)10% (87)1.11 (15)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NEV Offense1242% (114)36% (118)15.225.7147.25.79.710 (121)17 (134)-.02 (135)1.4 (124)34% (109)24% (130)-.05 (136)6% (86)1.6 (136)
NIU Defense1240% (5)41% (65) - - - - - - 9 (55).19 (45)1.5 (55)28% (120)36% (130).5 (134)5% (114)2.1 (108)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NEV Defense1248% (71)43% (96) - - - - - - 11 (75).18 (38)1.3 (2)32% (65)28% (38).26 (56)6% (86)1.8 (16)
NIU Offense1234% (131)28% (136)10.820.398.84.99.28 (128)6 (60) (134)1.6 (32)34% (116)23% (132).13 (127)3% (4)2.1 (46)

Nevada's Power Ratings
Nevada's Power Rating: -18.91  #136
Nevada's Offense Rating: 0.88  #132
Nevada's Defense Rating: 24.79  #131
2026 Talent Rating: 492.00  #120
Blue Chip Ratio: 3%  #64
Nevada's 2026 Expected Record: 3.8 - 8.2
Nevada's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -13.4  #116
Nevada's Offense SP+ Rating: 14.2  #133
Nevada's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.7  #81

Average Talent
Average Mountain West Talent Rating is 486.6
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81

Power Ratings Matchup
Nevada: -18.91   Northern Illinois: -13.26

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Nevada: -13.4   Northern Illinois: -16.7




Northern Illinois's Power Ratings
Northern Illinois's Power Rating: -13.26  #130
Northern Illinois's Offense Rating: 2.73  #128
Northern Illinois's Defense Rating: 22.55  #121
2026 Talent Rating: 564.00  #102
Blue Chip Ratio: 0  #103
Northern Illinois's 2026 Expected Record: 3.8 - 8.2
Northern Illinois's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -16.7  #128
Northern Illinois's Offense SP+ Rating: 12.0  #135
Northern Illinois's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.1  #74

Average Talent
Average Mountain West Talent Rating is 486.6
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81


Nevada Scoring
Offense: 17.6 PPG
Offense on Road: 15.5
Defense: 27.5 PPG
Defense on Road: 29.8

Nevada's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Northern Illinois 23
Nevada 20


Projected Total Points: 43
Northern Illinois Scoring
Offense: 17.1 PPG
Offense at Home: 17.8
Defense: 24.3 PPG
Defense at Home: 20.8

Northern Illinois's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Northern Illinois000 Overs
Nevada000 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams0 - 00 - 00 - 00 - 0
Road Teams0 - 00 - 00 - 00 - 0

(#136) NEV at (#130) NIU
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatNEVNIU
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #136 #130
SP+SP+ #116 #128
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #120 #102
Blue ChipsBC% #64 #103
Nevada Notes
(3/3) Vibes: Not sure what we're doing here or why
(3/3) Off a tire fire LY, OC fired, QB benched. Ugly
(3/3) QB Jones played LY as Fr but not well. Is he #1?
(3/3) RB are small and below avg. Anyone emerge?
(3/3) WR added 2 prod FCS (Cheers + Doss) could help
(3/3) OL surprisingly good on paper, 3 starters, depth
(3/3) DE Dylan Labarbera a monster, why still here?
(3/3) DL unit could be Avg, DT's have size, LB are ?
(3/3) DBs have 2 good Safeties, 3 exp'd CBs.
Nevada Injury Report
Northern Illinois Notes
(3/3) Vibes: HC left, only 2 portals? Moved to MWC?
(3/3) QB Holst is back, but there's nothing good here
(3/3) RBs Wright & Johnson productive duo, have depth
(3/3) WR unit may be worst in CFB on paper.
(3/3) OL has 1.5 starters back, have bodies, very young
(3/3) F7 lacks experience, size, production
(3/3) DBs have exp and some depth.
(3/3) Program is flailing and lost. Rather depressing
(2/18) DC Rob Harley Int HC, Hammock left for NFL.
Northern Illinois Injury Report
Nevada on Offense
Run heavy Offense 56%, Pass: 42%
CategoryCat
NEV OffNIU Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #124 #100
ExplosiveExp #102 #40
PPAPPA #129 #86
PowerPwr #132 #121
SP+SP+ #133 #74
Pts POPPO #133 #49
HavocHav #107 #132
Nevada Run Game
Run heavy Offense 56%, Pass: 42%
CategoryCat
NEV OffNIU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #123 #111
Run ExplRExp #36 #62
PPAExp #92 #107
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #86 #117
Stuff RateStuff #79 #119
TackleTak - NR
Nevada Pass Game
Run heavy Offense 56%, Pass: 42%
CategoryCat
NEV OffNIU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #118 #65
Pass ExplPExl #124 #55
PPAExp #135 #45
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #114 #134
DB HavocDB #86 #114
Northern Illinois on Offense
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCatNIU OffNEV Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #132 #93
ExplosiveExp #57 #39
PPAPPA #126 #94
PowerPwr #128 #131
SP+SP+ #135 #81
Pts POPPO #121 #112
HavocHav #29 #100
Northern Illinois Run Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
NIU OffNEV Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #116 #85
Run ExplRExp #15 #109
PPAExp #73 #126
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #84 #104
Stuff RateStuff #60 #110
TackleTak - NR
Northern Illinois Pass Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCatNIU OffNEV Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #136 #96
Pass ExplPExl #32 #2
PPAExp #134 #38
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #87 #93
DB HavocDB #4 #86
Program Comparison
NIU 5 Year Profile: Declining Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Up to Poor G5

NEV 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Remains Below Avg G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
NEV's OC Bret Bartalone (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Carter Jones11117364%1001685.8
AJ Bianco274560%188114.2
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Herschel Turner6935305.164
Ky Woods1910305.428
Dominic Kelley236012.610
Carter Jackson84105.110
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Jaceon Doss (Tr)29657522.784
Donnie Cheers (Tr)44585513.367
Marshaun Brown16164110.322
Gary Givens III12145112.131

View Nevada's Full Roster

NEV's DC Kane Ioane (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dylan Labarbera8817730
Jeremy Naborne354220
Joshua Scott (Tr)290004
Larry Turner-Gooden280001
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dylan Labarbera8817730
Jeremy Naborne354220
Poasa Utu (Tr)82210
Myles Williams31100
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Bryson Snelling140004
Joshua Scott (Tr)290004
Bishop Turner211002

NIU's OC Quinn Sanders (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Josh Holst7813060%689435.3
Brady Davidson408746%384334.4
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Chavon Wright19687554.545
Telly Johnson Jr.12469045.680
Jalen Macon4521654.836
Lazaro Rogers3318915.776
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Rickey Taylor Jr.9134114.941
Telly Johnson Jr.169706.117
Elijah Porter167167.067
George Dimopoulos115805.319

View Northern Illinois's Full Roster

NIU's DC Rob Harley (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Mark Hensley315110
Donte Harrison302005
Jay'Shon Thomas193250
James Finley150002
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jay'Shon Thomas193250
Mark Hensley315110
Landon Tate30000
Malik Armstrong10000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Donte Harrison302005
Dev'ion Reynolds130003
James Finley150002