Huskies seek monumental victory

DeKALB - Ken West tried to sum up the difference between Northern Illinois and Michigan, but had trouble finding a thorough explanation. The Huskie starting defensive end tossed intermittent praise at Michigan's offensive armory of Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Steve Breaston, Jason Avant and Tim Massaquoi. But suddenly, West grabbed his glasses, laughed out loud and unveiled the biggest discrepancy. "I'm 6-foot-2 and weigh 235 pounds and the guy I'll go against is 6-7 and weighs 338 pounds," West said. West was referring to Michigan right tackle Mike Kolodziej - one of 14 UM offensive linemen who weigh 300-plus pounds. The Huskies face a formidable challenge when they meet the Wolverines for first time ever on Saturday at the Big House (2:30 p.m. CST). The Huskies make their first appearance on ABC Regional television before an expected crowd of 107,501. The fourth-ranked Wolverines represent a different breed of animal than some of NIU's past BCS opponents. Big, fast, talented and deep. "What's scary about Michigan is they have some of the best skill players in the country," said 10th-year NIU coach Joe Novak. "They might be the best team we've played in my time here. They have somebody who can beat you on every play in any phase of the game." The Huskies need to play near-perfect football to avoid the Big House turning into the House of Horrors. First, the Huskies need to overcome some ugly history. Northern Illinois has defeated just one Big Ten team in 27 games (Wisconsin, 1988). The Wolverines remain undefeated against the Mid-American Conference (18-0), and haven't lost at home during the non-conference season dating back to 1998 (Syracuse). The Wolverines open the season with the nation's longest active streak of AP poll appearances (109) compared to NIU making history with consecutive preseason votes (USA Today). Northern Illinois' second-biggest obstacle is the crowd. The Wolverines, sporting a streak of 186 home games with at least 100,000 fans, led the nation in attendance last year. NIU starting quarterback Phil Horvath said the offense must remain composed. "I have to be the leader of the team out there and in a stadium like Michigan, a lot of things can go wrong," Horvath said. "We can go downhill real quick. It's my job to keep everybody going and executing. We have to avoid stupid mistakes and need to live another down." Horvath's execution can't be understated. The junior played a near-perfect game against Bowling Green State in his last start. The previous game, he threw four interceptions with two returned for touchdowns at Iowa State. The Wolverines defensive line is led by 6-4, 331-pound nose tackle Gabe Watson. NIU center Brian Van Acker has a tough task of trying to contain the massive Watson, but he should receive some help, opening up lanes for Pat Massey (6-8, 283) and Jeremy Van Alstyne. The Huskies O-line wore down previous BCS teams with their durability. "Watson's a real force and our kids are aware of him," Novak said. "We have to control the ball and keep the defense off the field. It would be bonus to move the ball right away and keep Michigan on its heels." The Wolverines might put eight or nine players in the box to stop Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris and force Horvath to throw the ball. Tight end Jake Nordin could provide a secondary target for Horvath. The Huskies don't have a clear-cut possession receiver. Michigan's secondary can be exposed, with cornerback Leon Hall the only starter with significant experience. "I think they'll put everybody in the box and single cover the wide receivers," said NIU wide receiver Shatone Powers. "That will be a big key. If we can make a couple of big ones, that will change things around." The Huskie defense remains suspect after losing five starters and linebacker Javan Lee during camp. NIU's three starting linebackers have just one combined career start between them. The defensive line faces a stiff challenge trying to stop Michigan's offense. The Wolverines averaged 30.8 points-per-game last year. The Michigan coaches expanded the offensive package to fully utilize the collection of returning players and added experience gained by Henne and Hart. All Henne did in his first year was tie a school record for most touchdown passes in a season (25). Hart was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,455 yards. Containing Hart is essential for NIU's defense. "Hart's real fast and quick and we have to keep him in front of us so he won't get on the outside and break loose," West said. Michigan's offensive line took a hit when roadgrader Jake Long suffered a possible season-ending injury, which might alter some of its offensive packages. The Wolverines hold a decided advantage at special teams with Breaston, who set a Rose Bowl record with 315 all-purpose yards against Texas. NIU true freshman punter Andy Dittbenner must play like a seasoned veteran. The game could turn into a blowout if the Huskies give up big plays on special teams and commit turnovers. Last year, Miami (Ohio) turned the ball over seven times against Michigan. "We have to win the turnover battle," Novak said. "We can't allow big plays and have to make them earn it on offense. We're looking forward to the game and going up there expecting to win."