Northern Illinois at Miami Ohio

Northern Illinois focuses on defense and is ranked fourth in the 12-team MAC in shooting allowed (.441). They're also fourth in turnover margin (+1.67). Northern Illinois has covered three in a row as underdogs of +9.5, +19.5, and +5, part of an 8-3 ATS run. Miami of Ohio is trying to hang on to second place in the MAC, just ahead of Toledo and Ohio. This is a look-ahead spot as they have a game on deck at rival Ohio. The defense is seventh in the conference in shooting allowed (.453) and at defending the 3-pointer (.355). Miami of Ohio is 3-4 ATS in its last seven as an underdog. They haven't been this big of a favorite since beating but failing to cover against Maryland-Eastern Shore as 18.5-point chalk. Play Northern Illinois.