FACTS & STATS: Site: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) -- Ypsilanti, Michigan. Television: ESPN+, Mac TV. Home Record: NIU 1-0, EMU 1-1. Away Record: NIU 0-2, EMU 0-2. Neutral Record: NIU 0-0, EMU 0-0. Conference Record: NIU 0-1, EMU 0-1. Series Record: Northern Illinois leads, 21-14-2.

GAME NOTES: The Northern Illinois Huskies will try to build off their win from last week when they take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles this Saturday at Rynearson Stadium. After opening the season with two straight losses, the Huskies finally found the win column this past weekend with a convincing, 48-3 pounding of Indiana State. Northern Illinois was atrocious in league play this past season, posting a meager 1-6 ledger. As for the Eagles, they opened their season with a impressive 52-0 victory over Indiana State, but since then the team has stumbled, losing three consecutive games, including a 51-24 setback to Maryland this past weekend. Eastern Michigan has not had much success in conference play over the past three seasons, collecting a mere 7-16 ledger. It does not get any easier for EMU after this matchup, as the team will be on the road for five of its next six games. The Huskies have a 21-14-2 edge in the all-time series against EMU, but the Eagles cut into that deficit this past season with a 21-19 victory over NIU.

Although the Huskies are currently 1-2 on the season, the offense has put forth a solid effort in each game. Northern Illinois is currently averaging 400.0 total ypg, and that has led to 33.7 ppg. The team is currently producing 166.3 ypg on the ground despite not having a feature tailback. Five different players have scored a rushing touchdown for NIU, and the team's top back is Me'co Brown, who has 100 yards on 23 attempts. Dan Nicholson and Chandler Harnish have both spent time under center this season, but Harnish has been far more productive, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 382 yards and two scores. Despite his strong play, Harnish could find himself on the bench this week since Nicholson will likely play despite his shoulder injury. In the team's recent win over Indiana State this past weekend, the Huskies used a heavy dose of the ground game, which churned out 285 yards on 7.7 ypc. Chad Spann paced the team with 73 yards and one touchdown, while Montell Clanton tallied 61 yards and one TD on 10 totes.

Defensively the Huskies are surrendering 21.0 ppg, but the unit has done a commendable job, limiting the opposition to just 321.0 total ypg, and has forced seven turnovers in just three games. NIU put forth its best performance defensively this past weekend against Indiana State, as the defense held the Sycamores to just 154 total yards, including just 31 yards on 26 carries. The Huskies collected four takeaways and also got to the quarterback twice. Cory Hanson had a busy day, racking up six tackles to go along with one TFL, one forced fumble and one interception.

The Eagles racked up 453 total yards this past weekend against Maryland, but it was still not enough, as EMU fell to the Terps. The ground game racked up 171 yards, and was led by Terrence Blevins, who rushed for 61 yards and one touchdown on just 10 attempts. Equally impressive was the passing attack, as Kyle McMahon threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-37 passing. However, the signal caller did toss two interceptions and was sacked three times. On the season, the Eagles have been surprisingly strong offensively, averaging 424.2 total ypg, which has led to 25.8 ppg. Blevins has rumbled for 312 yards and five touchdowns on the season for EMU, which is producing an outstanding 211.2 ypg via the run. McMahon has completed 63.4 percent of his throws this season, but the signal caller has just two touchdowns against three interceptions.

Defensively, the Eagles have struggled against the run, allowing a whopping 194.2 ypg. Overall, the defense has yielded 345.8 ypg and that has led to 33.5 ppg. The troubles against the run continued this past weekend, as the defense was punished by Maryland for 231 yards. Overall Eastern Michigan surrendered 486 total yards. The Eagles also allowed the Terps to convert 8-of-13 third down chances, and all seven of their red zone opportunities. Daniel Holtzclaw had another solid performance in the setback, as the linebacker grabbed nine tackles to go along with one interception. Holtzclaw has been outstanding this season, grabbing a team-high 31 stops to go along with 2.5 TFLs.

Neither team has performed well defensively, so expect a high scoring affair in this MAC contest. Eastern Michigan has more balance in the backfield, and a stronger presence under center, and with that the Eagles should fly high on Saturday.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eastern Michigan 42, Northern Illinois 32

Saturday, September 27th, 12:00 p.m. (et)