Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina prediction, pick for the 2021 Tailgreeter Cure Bowl

We have a college football matchup of Old Cinderella vs. the new version in the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl. Northern Illinois looks for its first nine-win season since 2014, while Coastal Carolina eyes its second consecutive 11-win campaign in its five-year tenure at the FBS level. The Huskies found ways to win close games, but it’s going to take more to beat an extremely talented and experienced Chanticleers squad. Here is our pick and prediction for the Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina bowl game.

Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina betting odds and trends

• Opening Line: Coastal Carolina -9 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
• Current Line: Coastal Carolina -10.5
• Over/Under: 63.5
• Moneyline: Coastal Carolina -415, Northern Illinois +310

Can Northern Illinois stun Coastal Carolina?

If there’s a king of winning close, it’s Northern Illinois. The Huskies finished the season 9-4, but they were 6 points away from finishing 11-2 and 24 away from 2-10. If anyone’s been battle-tested, it’s them. So if it comes down to a one-score game, you can bet they’re ready. The big test is keeping things close.

At one point in the season, Coastal Carolina was scoring at will. No one could slow down the Chanticleers on their way to averaging 48.8 points per game in the first half of 2021. A loss to Appalachian State began the second half, and injuries slowed things down from there. Still, they managed to win 10 games and remain one of the toughest offenses to stop.

Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina prediction

A big matchup to watch in this game is PFN’s Sun Belt Quarterback of the Year Grayson McCall and Northern Illinois safety CJ Brown. Defending the Chanticleers offense isn’t easy because McCall has mastered it. He’s a magician with the football in his hands running the option and continues to develop as a passer. Brown must stop both.

As the team leader in tackles and tied for the lead in interceptions, Brown already gives the Huskies versatility, so this isn’t a new task for him. It’s just the toughest one he’s faced. McCall is elite, and his dual-threat abilities make anyone tremble. He’s already produced 5,071 yards and 50 touchdowns passing while rushing for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing in his two years at CCU. The impact Brown makes could determine the outcome.

McCall’s health played a big role this season, and his injury impacted the offense. When he missed games against Georgia Southern and Georgia State, the offense wasn’t quite the same, and they’re still trying to rediscover their mojo. Northern Illinois hopes they can keep those frustrations going, but that only happens if they slow down the offense.

There’s a reason the line is swinging more in Coastal Carolina’s favor. When they’re on, no one can stop them. Northern Illinois gives up more points on average than they score, so they have to keep it close, or it’s a blowout. That tells me all I need to know.

Coastal Carolina vs. Northern Illinois Prediction: Coastal Carolina 42, Northern Illinois 20