MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — Northern Illinois got national attention with its offense, then topped Akron last weekend with a lot of help from its defense.
The 23rd-ranked Huskies (6-0, 2-0 Mid-American) hope to tip the balance back where it started when they travel to Central Michigan (3-4, 2-1) on Saturday.
Northern Illinois converted just one of its 15 third-down attempts, but got a blocked extra-point and an interception, as well as a late fourth-down stand to keep itself perfect.
The Huskies are the MAC’s most explosive offensive team. Jordan Lynch has 616 yards rushing and 1,333 yards passing and 17 touchdowns at the halfway point.
Add a backfield that has gotten 100-yard games from three different players and ranks ninth in the FBS with 282.7 yards per game and Central Michigan coach Dan Enos knows his team will have its hands full.
