- Matchup: NIU Huskies vs Arizona Wildcats
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Venue: Casino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Odds/Point Spread: Wildcats favored by (-35.0)
- Total Points Over-Under: 49.5
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The NIU Huskies (0-2) are traveling to Casino Del Sol Stadium this Saturday, September 19, 2026, to face off against the Arizona Wildcats (1-1). Arizona enters this game as strong 35-point favorites, with the total set at 49.5 points.
The Huskies come into this matchup struggling with an 0-2 record for the season. In their most recent game, they fell to the Illinois State Redbirds, losing 28-24. During that game, NIU executed 66 plays, achieving a total of 308 yards. Rushing 36 times, they accumulated 112 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. On defense, the Huskies surrendered 101 yards on 36 rush attempts, allowing an average of 2.8 yards per rush. Through the air, NIU allowed 21 completions on 27 attempts for 153 yards, resulting in a completion rate of 77.8%.
In terms of scoring, the NIU Huskies are averaging just 12.0 points per game. Their ground game is producing an average of only 59.5 yards per game, ranking them 136th in Division 1 football. So far, the Huskies have amassed a total of 428 yards this season. Scoring-wise, they have managed to secure one touchdown through the air and another on the ground. Offensively, NIU has earned 27 first downs, but they have struggled with discipline, committing 16 penalties totaling 146 yards, and they have turned the ball over four times.
Defensively, the Huskies rank 125th nationally in points allowed, giving up an average of 34.0 points per game. Opponents are averaging 5.3 yards per rush and gaining around 195.0 rushing yards per contest against NIU, which has resulted in a total of 390 rushing yards given up over two games. In terms of passing defense, the Huskies have allowed 371 yards, placing them 57th in college football with a rate of 185.5 passing yards per game and a completion percentage of 62.7%. Overall, they have surrendered an average of 380.5 yards per game, ranking them 104th in D-1, with 4 touchdowns allowed through the air and 3 on the ground.
The Arizona Wildcats come into this game with a 1-1 record this season. In their last outing, they suffered a defeat to the BYU Cougars, with a final score of 28-17. Arizona’s defense allowed 30 rushing attempts for 148 yards (4.9 yards per rush). In the passing game, they conceded a completion rate of 61.5%, allowing 217 yards from 16 completions on 26 attempts. The Wildcats recorded a total of 327 yards in that match, running 62 plays at an average of 5.3 yards per play. On the ground, Arizona averaged 3.1 yards per carry, finishing with 97 yards from 31 attempts.
Offensively, the Arizona Wildcats are averaging 423.5 yards per game, which positions them 59th in D-1 football. They have incurred 85 yards of penalties over 11 infractions, ranking them 102nd in college football for free yardage given away. Their rushing attack averages 143.0 yards per game, totaling 286 rushing yards this season. Arizona has thrown 2 interceptions and lost 2 fumbles while achieving 47 first downs. The Wildcats are averaging 26.0 points per game, placing them 89th in college football. They have recorded a total of 561 passing yards and an average of 280.5 passing yards per game, which ranks them 36th in the nation.
On defense, Arizona has allowed a total of 141 rushing yards (averaging 70.5 yards per game), with one rushing touchdown given up this year. In the passing department, they have conceded 3 touchdowns and an average of 208.5 passing yards per game, ranking 69th in D-1. They have yet to recover a fumble this season and have one interception to their credit. The Wildcats have participated in a total of 108 defensive plays, ranking them 17th nationally. They’re allowing an average of 17.5 points per game, landing them 57th in D-1.
Who will prevail in this college football showdown between the Huskies and Wildcats?
Prediction: Bet on the Wildcats -35.0
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