UAB vs NIU prediction

UAB took down Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA championship game, while NIU managed to surprise Buffalo in crazy game to win MAC championship game, so both teams deserved trip to Florida to play in this year's Boca Raton Bowl. UAB has had great season winning school record 10 games and will be looking for 11th win for the first time in history. They have one of the best defenses in the entire country, especially up front. They rank 10th in FBS in points allowed, 5th in tackles for loss and 4th in sacks. On top of that, they are equally good against the run and the pass, as they rank in top 20 in both categories in yards allowed. On the other hand, NIU offense is near bottom in pretty much all categories and they average just 325 yards per game. Also, they rely too much on running game and that's exactly where UAB is stellar at. Don't see them keeping this close. Good luck!