The Northwestern Wildcats (0-1) face an FCS opponent, the Western Illinois Leathernecks (0-1), on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
The Wildcats are very heavy favorites (currently -31.5) in their matchup versus the Leathernecks, with the over/under at 48.5 points. (On the moneyline, the Wildcats are -10000 and the Leathernecks are +2833.)
Below you can find our betting preview for this this contest between the Wildcats and the Leathernecks, and find all of our predictions here, too!
Northwestern -31.5 vs. Western Illinois
Northwestern vs. Western Illinois betting lines
- Spread favorite: Wildcats (-31.5)
- Moneyline: Wildcats (-10000), Leathernecks (+2833)
- Total: 48.5 points
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network Alternate
- Live Stream: Fubo
Northwestern vs. Western Illinois betting info and stats
- Northwestern has not won a game against the spread so far this season (0-1-0). Northwestern has not played a game as a moneyline favorite. Western Illinois has yet to win a game against the spread so far this season (0-1-0). Western Illinois has not covered the spread in games it was an underdog by at least 31.5 points (0-1). Western Illinois has not been an underdog on the moneyline so far this season.
Northwestern vs. Western Illinois key players
Northwestern Wildcats
- Jack Lausch recorded a passing stat line last season of 1,714 yards with a 53.7% completion rate (159-for-296), seven touchdowns, eight interceptions, and an average of 142.8 yards per game. His rushing stat line was 87 carries for 213 yards and two TDs.
- Last season, Cam Porter rushed for 500 yards on 126 attempts (41.7 yards per game) and scored six times. Porter also collected 23 catches for 174 yards.
- Joseph Himon II collected 257 rushing yards on 52 carries and two touchdowns last season.
- A.J. Henning hauled in 59 catches for 603 yards (50.3 per game) while being targeted 106 times. He also scored four touchdowns.
- Bryce Kirtz tacked on 598 yards on 39 grabs. He was targeted 73 times, and averaged 59.8 receiving yards per game.
- Thomas Gordon hauled in 27 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown, putting up 21.0 yards per game last year.
- Aidan Hubbard did his thing last season with a huge stat line of 6.0 sacks, 5.0 TFL and 28 tackles.
- Last season Mac Uihlein grabbed 76 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and two sacks.
- Devin Turner intercepted three passes last year while also totaling 38 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and three passes defended.
Western Illinois Leathernecks
- Nathan Lamb passed for 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions while accumulating 3,330 yards by the end of last season (277.5 ypg). He also scored eight touchdowns on 29.0 rushing yards per game.
- Cameren Smith averaged 71.8 rushing yards per game and accumulated six rushing touchdowns. Smith added three receptions per game to average 27.8 receiving yards.
- Matthew Henry was targeted 5.7 times per game and piled up 1,179 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the course of 2024.
- Elijah Aragon hauled in seven touchdowns and had 792 receiving yards (66.0 ypg) in 2024.
- Christian Anaya averaged 33.2 receiving yards per game on 3.5 targets per game a season ago.
- Peyton Bradford proved to be a menacing defender last year, recording 4.0 sacks, 38 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and three passes defended.
- Christian Pierce had an impactful defensive performance last season with 21 tackles and one interception.
- A year ago KaRon Coleman collected 16 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and 0.5 sacks as well as two interceptions.
BetDecider Team
The BetDecider team brings you the most current sports betting content, with expert insights and tips. Our aim is that you can make an informed betting decision, including best odds and exclusive sportsbook offers, to maximize your betting experience.
