Hawaii vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Spread & How to Watch

• Hawaii and Northern Illinois meet for the first time with a combined 1-12 record
• Two offenses stuck below 16 points per game shape this entire matchup
• Read below for my Hawaii vs Northern Illinois prediction, spread and how to watch

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Hawaii makes a 4,255-mile trip to DeKalb on Saturday for the first meeting ever between these programs. The Rainbow Warriors are 1-6, while Northern Illinois is still searching for its first win at 0-6.

Neither offense has found traction. Hawaii has been held under 20 points in four straight games, and the Huskies average just 14.2 points per game. That is the lens I am using for this matchup.

Hawaii vs Northern Illinois Prediction

Prediction: Northern Illinois covers +4 and the game stays under 47.5 points.

My Hawaii vs Northern Illinois prediction rests on one simple idea: this game has too little offense to trust a road favorite laying points. I am taking the home underdog and the Under.

Pick #1: Northern Illinois +4

• Pick: Northern Illinois +4 (-111 at BetMGM)

Hawaii’s offense is built almost entirely on the arm of Micah Alejado. He has completed 179 of 304 passes for 1,860 yards in seven starts, but with only six touchdowns against five interceptions. The Rainbow Warriors run for just 77.4 yards per game, so drives stall once the passing game hits a bump.

Northern Illinois has steadied things at quarterback with Taron Dickens, who has started the last four games. He has completed 121 of 184 passes for 1,193 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. DeAree Rogers is his go-to option with 49 receptions for 422 yards and two scores.

The risk is clear. The Huskies allow 35.7 points per game and have given up 23 sacks. Still, Hawaii has not reached 20 points in four straight games, and its run defense allows 180.7 yards per game. I trust Northern Illinois to keep this inside four points at home.

Pick #2: Under 47.5

• Pick: Under 47.5 (-108 at BetMGM)

My Hawaii vs Northern Illinois total pick starts with two teams combining for 29.9 points per game. Neither offense has consistently finished drives, which is why I prefer Under 47.5.

Hawaii’s one-dimensional attack has produced yards without points. The Rainbow Warriors average 345.6 total yards but still sit below 16 points per game, a red flag for any offense facing a low total.

Northern Illinois’ leaky defense is the biggest threat to the Under, but I need to see Hawaii finish drives before I bet on a shootout.

Hawaii vs Northern Illinois Odds

Odds via BetMGM, verified October 24, 2026, at 9:30 AM EDT.

Hawaii is a four-point road favorite at -108, with Northern Illinois at -111 to cover. The 47.5 total reflects two offenses averaging under 16 points per game, and the key takeaway is that four points carries real weight when scoring should be scarce. Compare the full slate on our college football odds page.

For these spread and total picks, the BetMGM promo code page covers the current sign-up offer.

Hawaii vs Northern Illinois Matchup Stats

Hawaii holds the yardage edge, with 345.6 total yards per game and 268.1 through the air. That production has not turned into points, though, and Northern Illinois’ 101.0 rushing yards per game gives it a path to shorten the game. The Huskies’ 35.7 points allowed is the biggest concern, but Hawaii has yet to prove it can exploit that kind of defense.

How to Watch Hawaii vs Northern Illinois

Hawaii vs Northern Illinois kicks off at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 24, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois. The game will be available on MW+ and K5.