NIU barely has overall advantage
Greg Burghardt
Quarterbacks: Junior Derrick Vickers ran for 48 yards and two touchdowns in the second half last week. This new dimension should help the offense. Sophomore Josh Haldi is doing an adequate job of directing a run-oriented offense for NIU.
Advantage: Push
Runningbacks: Central will switch up looks with three backs in Robbie Mixon, Terrence Jackson and Kenan Lawhorne. Meanwhile, NIU’s Michael Turner is the only runner in the nation that has achieved the 1,000-yard mark.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Wide Receivers: The CMU receivers are all getting their hands on the ball, with four receivers with at least 10 catches, Rob Turner leads the way with 22. NIU sophomore Dan Sheldon is 5 feet 9 inches, but averages more than 20 yards per catch.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Tight Ends: Sophomore Tory Humphrey is delivering big blows to would-be tacklers. Senior Matt Dunker also is big and strong and has three touchdowns for the Huskies.
Advantage: CMU
Offensive Line: Senior guard Kyle Croskey is big, mean and is man-handling opponents this season. The line played well last week but has a tough test against NIU’s 4-3 defense. Senior left tackle Tim Vincent is the best of a group that is opening up huge holes for Turner.
Advantage: Push
Defensive Line: Central’s unit did not make plays last week and needs to recover strong by slowing Turner down. For NIU, sophomore Travis Moore will give up 70 pounds to CMU’s Adam Kieft on the line. At 231 pounds, Moore is used to that and still excels with five sacks on the season.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Linebackers: CMU played strong last week and is relieved that Josh Harris is not on the remaining schedule. NIU has 29 sacks, 10 more than any other MAC team.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Secondary: The CMU secondary played its strongest game last week, and Ron Bartell is making big hits on anyone who comes near him since moving to cornerback. Vince Thompson appears recovered from a knee injury for NIU. The senior had two interceptions in his second game. But NIU was beat for 41 completions and 525 yards.
Advantage: Push
Special Teams: CMU had two punts blocked last week and continues to struggle. NIU, on the other hand, has a great kicker in Steve Azar and leads the nation in punt return average.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Intangibles: Jackson should be better this week as he continues to heal his ankle. CMU is 1-2 on the road and faces a hostile homecoming crowd Saturday.
Advantage: Northern Illinois
Overall: The disparity in advantages is misleading. The teams have similar strengths and talent levels. The game will come down to big plays. The problem is Central has been beat by big plays and not making any themselves. Unless this changes, expect a Huskies homecoming triumph. But take Central and the points.
Schoch’s prediction: NIU 38, CMU 30.
Schoch can be reached for comment at sports@cm-life.com.
