Dareyon Chance.jpg

Western Michigan running back Dareyon Chance picks up yards in a game against Central Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 22.

(Junfu Han | MLive.com)

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Western Michigan football team opened as a 7-point favorite over Northern Illinois in Friday's regular season finale, according to oddsmakers.

It's an aggressive line for the Broncos, who are experiencing a winning season for the first time since 2011. However, WMU (8-3, 6-1 MAC) is 10-1 against the spread this season.

The Broncos are tied with Northern Illinois (9-2, 6-1) and Toledo atop the MAC West Division standings.

If the Huskies win Friday they will play in the MAC Championship game. WMU must beat NIU and have UT lose to Eastern Michigan to advance to the title game. Toledo must defeat the Eagles and needs WMU to beat NIU.

Northern Illinois has defeated Western Michigan the last five years. WMU's last win over the Huskies was a 29-26 win at home in 2008.

NIU beat WMU 33-14 in last season's regular season finale.

The Broncos are coming off of a 32-20 win at Central Michigan and have won six in a row.

The Huskies beat Ohio 21-14 on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and have won five in a row.

WMU VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS

WMU VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS

When: 11 a.m. Friday, Waldo Stadium

Records: WMU 8-3 (6-1 MAC); NIU 9-2 (6-1)

Coaches: WMU: P.J. Fleck (9-14, 2nd season); NIU: Rod Carey (21-5, 2nd full season)

Series: WMU leads 23-16 all-time

Last year: NIU won 33-14

TV: ESPNU

Radio: WZOX-FM (96.5); 94.1 FM (Lansing, Jackson, Battle Creek), 101.3 FM (Grand Rapids)

Tickets: www.wmubroncos.com/tickets or 1-888-4-WMU-TIX

Email David Drew at ddrew1@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.