College Football Odds: Northern Illinois Kentucky prediction, odds

Kentucky is unbeaten in the season and could make a New Year's Six bowl game if they go 10-2. Northern Illinois lost to Vanderbilt last week. The Huskies play an SEC East Division team for the second straight week and they lost the game 38-28. The Wildcats beat Florida on the road in The Swamp. Kentucky hasn't been to a top-tier New Years' Day bowl since the 1951 season. It's a chance for Mark Stoops to establish his team as an upper- tier football force.

Northern Illinois is playing against Kentucky. The Huskies were two touchdowns better than Vanderbilt for more than half of last week's game. If NIU plays up to its potential, it can cover the large spread.

Kentucky is expected to beat Northern Illinois. The Wildcats have a good defense and should be able to score 38 points. NIU allowed 38 to Vanderbilt.

Kentucky is a good team and Northern Illinois won't be able to keep up over four full quarters.

Kentucky is favored by 26.5 points over Northern Illinois.