FACTS & STATS: Site: Huskie Stadium (24,000) -- DeKalb, Illinois. Television: Comcast Sportsnet. Home Record: Miami-OH 1-2, NIU 1-0. Away Record: Miami-OH 0-2, NIU 1-3. Neutral Record: Miami-OH 0-0, NIU 0-0. Conference Record: Miami- OH 0-1, NIU 1-1. Series Record: Miami-Ohio leads, 7-5.

GAME NOTES: A Mid-American Conference showdown will take place this Saturday when the Northern Illinois Huskies host the Miami-Ohio RedHawks at Huskie Stadium. It has been a tough year for the RedHawks, who have dropped four of their first fives games, including two straight. The last time the RedHawks took the field the team was embarrassed at home, falling to Temple, 28-10. Since the beginning of the 2006 season, the RedHawks have been terrible on the road, losing 12 of their last 14 games away from home. As for the Huskies, they had a two-game winning streak snapped with a 13-9 setback to Tennessee this past weekend. The Huskies, who are 1-0 at home this season, have won 37 of their last 48 contests at Huskie Stadium. Since last season Northern Illinois has lost seven of its last nine contests, and that includes the teams 1-1 mark in league play this season. Miami-Ohio holds a slim 7-5 edge in the all-time series, but the Huskies have won the last three meetings, and that includes a thrilling, 28-25 win over the RedHawks back in 2006.

The RedHawks have been ineffective offensively this season, and the inability to find consistency is the main reason for the team's 1-4 ledger. Miami is producing just 320.6 total ypg, and that has led to just 17.4 ppg. The majority of the team's limited success has come from the passing attack, which is being led by Daniel Raudabaugh. Miami is averaging 240.2 ypg through the air, but despite the large numbers, Raudabaugh has been inconsistent, completing just 57.4 percent of his throws for four touchdowns and five interceptions. Miami has been unable to rely on the ground game, as the RedHawks are producing just 80.4 ypg on 2.5 ypc. Thomas Merriweather has been the main option in the backfield, but the tailback has rushed for only 393 yards and four scores. The poor offensive play continued this past weekend, as Miami tallied just 303 total yards in a loss to Temple. The RedHawks committed four turnovers in the setback, and the lone bright spot for the squad was Merriweather, who rushed for 133 yards and one touchdown.

The RedHawks are limiting teams to just 331.2 total ypg on the season, but the defense has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard, as foes are producing 30.0 ppg. The defense has really stumbled against the run, as opposing teams are pounding Miami up front for 157.2 ypg on 4.2 ypc. The RedHawks have also been unable to make many big plays this season, as the team has forced just nine turnovers, while recording only six sacks. This past weekend, the RedHawks only allowed 294 total yards to Temple, but despite the strong showing, Miami still surrendered 28 points. Miami limited the Owls to just 11 first downs in the contest, but allowed Temple to convert both of its redzone chances. Joey Hudson was tremendous for the RedHawks, as the linebacker collected 16 tackles to go along with 1.5 TFLs and one forced fumble. Hudson has been solid all season long, and comes into this game with a team-high 55 tackles and 6.5 TFLs.

The majority of NIU's success offensively has come on the ground, as the Huskies are churning out 161.2 ypg with the run. Overall this offensive unit has show signs of promise and comes into this game averaging 345.8 total ypg, which has led to a solid 29.4 ppg. Me'co Brown has been the top option out of the backfield for NIU, as the tailback is leading the team with 225 yards to go along with two touchdowns. The problem for the Huskies has been their passing attack, which could be in even more trouble this weekend, as Dan Nicholson and Chandler Harnish are both questionable for this game. Nicholson has completed 60.9 percent of his throws and has tossed three scores, but if him and Harnish are unable to go the team will turn to DeMarcus Grady. This past weekend the NIU offense was no match for Tennessee, as the Vols limited the Huskies to just 194 total yards, including just 76 yards on 34 carries. Grady saw some time under center in the contest, and although the signal caller threw for just 39 yards, he was able to pace the team with 47 yards on 15 carries.

Where the Huskies have overachieved is on the defensive side of the football, as the squad is currently holding teams to just 289.4 total ypg, and a mere 15.2 ppg. Northern Illinois has done a good job stuffing the run, as the front line is holding opponents to just 108.8 ypg on 3.5 ypc. The Huskies' defensive unit continued to shine this weekend against a strong SEC team, as NIU held the Vols to just 225 yards and only 13 points. Despite the tremendous defensive effort, the Huskies still finished with a loss. The team continues to prove its able to shut down any ground game, as the Huskies limited Tennessee to just 69 yards on 2.2 ypc. It was a strong performance by NIU, which allowed just nine first downs in the contest, and also forced two turnovers to go along with three sacks.

The quarterback situation could be a problem area for NIU in this matchup, but if the defense can continue its amazing play, expect the Huskies to walk away with a big conference victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Northern Illinois 17, Miami-Ohio 9

Saturday, October 11th, 4:00 p.m. (et)