Quarterback
Ball State
Keith Wenning is coming off one of his best performances of the season. He played great in the first half at Buffalo before Ball State's lead extended to a point where coach Stan Parrish turned the game over to the running backs. Wenning did not turn the ball over, which was a big step after throwing three interceptions in each of the past three weeks. He will need that kind of performance again Saturday.
Northern Illinois
This week, Stan Parrish called Chandler Harnish the Mid-American Conference's MVP. Harnish is a dual-threat quarterback, the kind that has given the Cardinals a lot of trouble this year. He has completed 66 percent of his passes this season while throwing just four interceptions. He also has gained 708 yards on the ground, including three 100-yard rushing games.
Advantage - Huskies - With all the struggles Ball State has had stopping running quarterbacks in recent years, Harnish presents a major challenge. The Cardinals will look to make him one-dimensional. The game may hinge on their success in doing that.
Running back
Ball State
MiQuale Lewis' injury is unfortunate for the Cardinals, but with Eric Williams, David Brown and Cory Sykes returning to full health, it doesn't mean as much as it could have. Williams rushed 27 times for 109 yards last week. He said he has never had as many carries in his life, and the number even surprised Parrish. It's unlikely Williams gets that many carries again, but he'll get plenty.
Northern Illinois
Many of the mobile quarterbacks the Cardinals have had to contend with this season have been their team's leading rusher. That is not the case with the Huskies. Chad Spann, an Indianapolis native, has rushed for 1,070 yards in 10 games. Spann has almost 300 more yards than the next best rusher in the MAC, Temple's Matt Brown, in one fewer game.
Advantage - Huskies - Northern Illinois doesn't have as much depth in the position as Ball State does, but it doesn't matter. Spann is rushing behind an outstanding offensive line and picking up plenty of yards.
Defensive line
Ball State
With Saturday being Senior Day, the Cardinals may be able to count on some extra motivation from defensive end Robert Eddins and defensive tackle Rene Perry. Parrish said the Cardinals need a big game from Eddins, who has been inconsistent this season. When he is playing his best, he's hard to stop. Regardless, containing Harnish starts with the defensive line.
Northern Illinois
Like most of the team, the Huskies' defensive line is full of seniors. But it is sophomore Sean Progar who has had the best season. He has 29 tackles and leads Northern Illinois with 3.5 sacks. Jake Coffman has also been a presence opposing teams must pay attention to, making seven tackles for loss and coming up with an interception.
Advantage - Huskies - Northern Illinois' defensive line doesn't have impressive stats, but it has been a key to the team's success this season.
Kicker
Ball State
Ian McGarvey has made nine consecutive field goals and became Ball State's all-time scoring leader last week at Buffalo. Aside from his forgettable game at Purdue, which almost cost him his job, McGarvey has been superb in his senior year. He's kicking with plenty of confidence right now and has been a big asset for the Cardinals.
Northern Illinois
Michael Cklamovski has been solid for the Huskies since the third week of the season. He has missed his share of field goals but made 33 of 36 extra points. Cklamovski also has had plenty of leg on kickoffs, getting 23 touchbacks this season.
Advantage - Cardinals - McGarvey's confidence is high, and that makes him a better kicker. If this game were to come down to a field goal, Parrish would feel great sending McGarvey out to win it.
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