Northern Illinois is a MAC team that should not be underestimated. But I see Notre Dame doing just that coming off a hard-played road upset of Texas A&M this past Saturday night.

Not only is Notre Dame in letdown mode, but the Irish could be looking ahead to resuming their in-state rivalry against Purdue the following week. Notre Dame and Purdue haven't played since 2021.

Northern Illinois has a strong secondary, good offensive line and a top running back in Antario Brown, who rushed for 1,296 yards last season while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

The Huskies are brimming with confidence, too, after destroying Western Illinois, 54-15, last week. The Huskies produced 706 total yards - 394 passing and 312 on the ground - in that victory.