The Northern Illinois Huskies (0-0) square off against an FCS opponent, the Holy Cross Crusaders (0-0), on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium.

The Crusaders are expected to lose by double digits (currently +12.5) against the Huskies (with an over/under of 51.5 points).

Below you’ll find our preview for this this contest between the Huskies and the Crusaders, and discover all of our betting picks here, too!

Northern Illinois vs. Holy Cross betting lines

• Spread favorite: Huskies (-12.5)
• Moneyline: Huskies (-493), Crusaders (+370)
• Total: 51.5 points

Northern Illinois vs. Holy Cross betting info and stats

• Northern Illinois had five wins in 12 games against the spread last year.
• Northern Illinois failed to notch a win ATS (0-5) as at least 12.5-point favorites last season.
• There were five Northern Illinois games (out of 12) that went over the total last season.
• Holy Cross posted a 6-5-0 record against the spread last season.
• Holy Cross went unbeaten ATS (1-0) as underdogs of 12.5 points or more last year.
• Holy Cross had five of its 11 games go over the point total last season.

Northern Illinois vs. Holy Cross key players

Northern Illinois Huskies

• Last season Ethan Hampton recorded 1,600 passing yards (145.5 per game), a 58.5% completion percentage, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also added 129 rushing yards on 53 carries with two rushing TDs (averaging 11.7 rushing yards per game).
• Last year Gavin Williams took 139 rushing attempts for 749 yards (57.6 per game) and scored four touchdowns.
• Antario Brown put up 567 yards on 115 carries (70.9 yards per game), with four rushing touchdowns last year. He was also successful in the air, catching eight passes for 204 yards (51.0 per game) and one TD.
• Trayvon Rudolph amassed 37 receptions for 392 yards and one touchdown last season. He was targeted 57 times, and averaged 35.6 yards per game.
• Cam Thompson amassed 391 yards on 28 grabs with three touchdowns. He was targeted 49 times, and averaged 32.6 receiving yards per game.
• Grayson Barnes reeled in 31 passes on 59 targets for 338 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 26.0 receiving yards per game.
• Devonte O’Malley’s hard work last season put up a stat line of 8.5 sacks, 8.0 TFL and 31 tackles.
• Christian Fuhrman was a wrecking ball on the field, collecting 51 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one interception last year.
• Nate Valcarcel intercepted three passes last year while also totaling 42 tackles, 2.0 TFL, two sacks, and four passes defended.

Holy Cross Crusaders

• Joe Pesansky completed 59.4% of his passes to throw for 2,192 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He also helped with his legs, collecting 159 yards.
• Jayden Clerveaux averaged 72.2 rushing yards per game and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.
• Last season Sam Slade rushed for 290 yards.
• Max Mosey averaged 54.0 receiving yards and grabbed five receiving touchdowns over the course of the 2024 season.
• Jacob Petersen caught 33 passes last season on his way to 463 yards and six receiving touchdowns.
• Justin Shorter worked his way to five receiving touchdowns and 422 receiving yards (42.2 ypg) last season.
• Last year Joseph Townsend collected 5.0 sacks, 1.0 TFL.
• Frankie Monte had an impressive defensive performance last season with seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.
• A year ago Curtis Harris-Lopez recorded four tackles and 1.0 TFL as well as two interceptions.