This will be a good barometer for how legitimate the Vandals’ surprising start really is. Northern Illinois went toe-to-toe with Wisconsin before losing 28-20, then upended Purdue on the road last week. NIU probably doesn’t have the same talent level as Washington, which handed UI its only loss, but the MAC school might be more well-rounded. “I think it’s the best defense we’ve seen to this date from an overall standpoint,” Idaho offensive coordinator Steve Axman said. These are the sorts of games, against quality opponents on the road, where the Vandals have fallen flat in recent years. But this is a different UI squad, starting with a much-improved passing game and a run defense that’s ranked first in the WAC and 29th in the country/Josh Wright, SR Sportslink. More here.

• WSU travels to USC as a 45-point underdog/Vince Grippi, Sportslink
• Murphy: Boise State will beat Bowling Green 41-10 (audio)/Statesman
  

Question: Pick the final score in the UIdaho game at Northern Illinois?

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