NIU pass offense vs. Sam Houston’s pass defense: Chris Finlen may not have played his best game against the Illini two weeks ago, but the senior quarterback is ready for a

rebound against Sam Houston State. The Bearkats have given up 385 yards in their two games this season, while Finlen has passed for 303 yards. Look for Finlen to have a big game.

Advantage: NIU

NIU run offense vs. Sam Houston run defense: Thomas Hammock has been running over the opposing defense for 288 yards in the two games this season, good for ninth in the

nation. The Bearkats have held their opponents to 141 yards, but they have yet to face a tailback like Hammock. The junior should have no problem running over Sam Houston’s

defense and running for his ninth-straight 100-yard performance.

Advantage: NIU

Sam Houston pass offense vs. NIU pass defense: The passing defense has been a weak spot for the Huskies this season. They have given up 464 yards in the two games this

season, including three 50-yard passing plays. The Bearkats bring in a potent passing game with their quarterback Josh McCown passing for 412 of those yards. If the Bearkats are

going to score, it will be because of the passing defense.

Advantage:

Sam Houston run offense vs. NIU run defense: The Huskies have played unbelievable run defense in the two games this season. They held Illinois’ running duo of Rocky Harvey

and Antonio Harris to 83 combined yards. For the season, NIU held its opponent to 153 yards. Sam Houston is led by and has rushed for over 300 yards in two games this season.

With the defensive performance the Huskies put out against the Illini, they should have no problems stopping the Bearkats’ rushing game.

Advantage: NIU

NIU special teams vs. Sam Houston special teams: This season’s Steve Azar is not the same as last season’s Steve Azar. After making 14-straight field goals last year, the

sophomore kicker has made four field goals out of eight attempts. The Bearkats use two kickers, Alex St. Peters and Joey Price, who have combined to go 2-for-4. If it goes down to a

kicking game, the Huskies would have the edge thanks to Azar’s leg.

Advantage: Sam Houston

Outlook: Two weeks separate this weekend’s game and the Huskies’ disappointing 17-12 loss to Illinois. Sam Houston State came off a solid year last year, going 7-4 and is off to a

good start this season, going 2-0. If the Huskies jump out quick and score early, they have a good chance to run up the score.

Final Prediction

NIU 52, Sam Houston 17