WAYNE ROOT
Millionaires---Northern Illinois
Boise St has been one of the more successful programs in the country the past decade. Every part of their program has been upgraded and revamped. They started the this year of 5-1 including a huge win against Washington. Then it lost starting quarterback Ryan Finley to a broken ankle, injuries mounted and the Broncos lost their way with three defeats in the last six games. They go into this bowl game at 8-4. Northern Illinois had quarterback troubles of their own, with four different QB's going down injured. Redshirt freshman Ryan Graham is back to start for the Huskies today. Note that this team played Boston College and Ohio State, losing by a total of just 10 points. Each team as the ability to run the ball with much of the same results. Boise sophomore Jeremy McNichols has rushed for 1,334 yards with 18 touchdowns and NIU junior Joel Bouagnon has 1,269 yards and 18 touchdowns. Each team has scored 53 touchdowns and both defenses and schemes mirror one another. These two programs and both teams are dead even. The oddsmakers are offering a lot of points here. Take their generous gift.