2015 Bowl Games: Picking all 41 college bowls and championship game against the spread

Dec 4, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Tommy Fiedler (16) passes against the Bowling Green Falcons in the first half of the MAC Championship at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State vs. Northern Illinois
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN

Two teams who looked to topple the system a few years ago now going head-to-head in one of the oldest mid-tier bowls.

This wasn’t the Boise State of the BCS-buster years, but still a quality team, putting up 37.8 points per game and limiting opponents to 21.3 points. They don’t have the explosive plays they were once known for, and defensive struggles to close out the season against New Mexico, Air Force and San Jose State don’t bode well against the Huskies.

Northern Illinois also lost some of their swagger this season, but still managed to get to the MAC Championship game, where they were routed by Bowling Green. They still have some firepower on offense, but have also struggled on defense. Two teams with practically mirror images.

Line: Boise State, -8

Normally I’d advise to never bet against the Broncos in a postseason game, but eight points is just too rich. Take the Huskies to beat that spread in a close game.

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