Northern Illinois has pulled the upset over a Big Ten team many times the past few years and could do it again Saturday at Iowa. The Huskies opened as 16-point dogs and the line is now down to 10. Rain during the week in Iowa City and poor field conditions could be the norm for this early start. The past few years, Iowa has struggled with Ball State, Iowa State, North Dakota State and Northern Illinois.

The Huskies return 14 starters off an eight-win team and will not be intimidated in this hostile road setting. I see this as a 20-13 slugfest in which field position is big and both coaches play it conservatively.

The play: Under 48