Three Predictions For Vanderbilt-NIU

Something New This Week, Three Predictions

Part of being the new guys- this specific site and me on the Vandy beat- means coming up with some hopefully new, and somewhat different ideas for content. to that end this week we present three predictions for this weeks game versus Northern Illinois. 

These are two things we think will happen along with the third prediction being our projected final score of the game. Basically it means I'm sticking my neck out here and hoping you Commodore fans don't get to chop it off. 

Here goes our three predictions for this week.

1) Vaughn Goes Off: Vanderbilt senior running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn is the best running back the Huskies will have faced this season- and perhaps arguably the best they will see all season. A big game from the Nashville native is key to beat down the opponents defense, chew up yards and control the clock. 

Northern Illinois has won the time of possession in two of their three games, with only Nebraska managing more time. By running the ball with Vaughn, Vanderbilt can control clock, wear down the Huskies defense and win. Without it, things could go south.

Prediction: Vaughn will eclipse his 130 yard total from last week and finish the game with 150 yards on the ground and 30 through the air.     

2) Neal Inconsistant: While the play of quarterback Riley Neal has trended in a positive direction each week, NIU has beaten him all three times he has faced them this season. 

He is due for a big game, but the question is, can he deliver it this week?

Prediction: Neal will throw for 250 yards and two scores, but a pair of picks spoil his day.    

3) Final Score: The Commodores are the more talented team, and it has nothing to do with being from a biger conference. 

Individually Northern Illinois has no equals defensively for Vaughn, Jared Pinkney and Kalijah Lipscomb. Throw in Cam Johnson and the Commodores offense should be able to do some work. 

The questions is will they? As we've seen through three weeks, they have big play capabilities, but they also have the ability to struggle and kick themselves in the head at times. 

SCORE: Give me the Commodores at home as a 6.5 point favorite over the Huskies 35-24.