Boise State and NIU try to end disappointing seasons on high notes

San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (8-5)
San Diego, California
Dec. 23, 2015

In most years, a matchup between Boise State and Northern Illinois would pit two of the nation’s best Group of Five teams. But this year, neither team lived up to its lofty preseason expectations.

Boise State was picked to go undefeated this season. Not only was it going to be the Group of Five representative for the New Year’s Six Bowl, but perhaps even a darkhorse for a Top 4 spot. But those dreams were quickly derailed when the Broncos lost in the final seconds to BYU and went on to lose five games for the second time in the past three seasons. That’s unprecedented for the Broncos, who lost five games combined from 2008 to 2012.

The Broncos come into the game having lost two of their last three games — back-to-back home losses for the first time since 1997.

Northern Illinois isn’t doing much better. Despite playing in the Mid-American Conference title game, this was not the season the Huskies envisioned. They also was the favorite in their conference, but injuries to their first, second and third-string quarterbacks and their star receiver made achieving those goals difficult. The Huskies also had bad conference losses to Central Michigan and Ohio that didn’t help their cause.

So what’s worth watching in this game?

All eyes certainly will be fixed on Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols, who has rushed for 1,244 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He also has 18 touchdowns, which tied for fourth in the nation with the likes of LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook. McNichols will be the most dominant player of the field, especially against NIU’s 64th-ranked rushing defense, which is allowing 166.1 yards per game.

Northern Illinois likely will go with Ryan Graham, the original third-string quarterback, under center in the bowl instead of walk-on Tommy Fielder, which struggled through the MAC title game against Bowling Green. But both players could play.

But who plays under center is almost irrelevant because the Huskies haven’t found the same offensive rhythm it had under starter Drew Hare, and against a Boise State total defense that ranks 23rd in the country, that consistency is going to be missed.

Picks

Graham: After watching NIU in its games without its best quarterback, it’s hard to like the Huskies against this Boise State team. No matter Boise State’s flaws this season, it’s still Boise State. Boise State 38, NIU 24.

Nick: Which freshman quarterback will play better? I'm leaning towards Boise State's Brett Rypien. He's thrown for 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions this year. NIU keeps it close though. Boise State 23-20.

Sam: Ryan Graham potentially coming back from injury should give Northern Illinois a bit of a boost. He's an upgrade over Tommy Fiedler for sure, but will he be enough to make a difference against Boise? Not sure about that one. Boise State 30, Northern Illinois 24.

For more Boise State news, visit Blue-Turf.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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