It’s a non-conference clash on the gridiron when a member of the MAC visits the big, bad SEC down in the Bluegrass State. The Northern Illinois Huskies are on the road as they head east to take on the #8 Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night. Northern Illinois came up on the wrong end of a 38-28 decision at home against Vanderbilt in their previous contest last Saturday. Kentucky cruised to an easy 31-0 win at home over FCS program Youngstown State in their most recent game last Saturday. This marks the first time that the two programs have met on the gridiron as FBS opponents in their respective histories.
Northern Illinois hung around against another SEC school in Vanderbilt but was unable to do enough to emerge with a victory. The Huskies dropped to 1-2 on the season and look to find a way to stun a top-10 program, evening their record in the process. Against Vanderbilt, Northern Illinois had their chances as they were up 21-14 at the half and 28-14 less than 90 seconds into the second half before things unraveled. The Huskies gave up the game’s final 24 points to wind up with the loss. Northern Illinois was outgained 428-354 in total offense, gave up 21 first downs while recording 17 and was edged 30:39 to 29:21 in time of possession. Each team turned the ball over once in the contest.
On the season, the Huskies are 95th in passing offense with an average of 218 yards per game while they are tied for 82nd in rushing offense with 154.7 yards per contest. Northern Illinoi s is 69th in the FBS in scoring offense by averaging 32.2 points per game while they are a brutal 108th in scoring defense by allowing 34.3 points per contest. Rocky Lombardi has completed 39 of 60 passes for 530 yards with five touchdowns and one interception on the season. He adds 14 rushing yards plus a score. Ethan Hampton is 12 of 19 passing for 124 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Antario Brown is the leading ground gainer for the team with 41 carries for 203 yards plus three scores. Harrison Waylee (36 carries, 152 yards, TD) and Mason Blakemore (16 carries, 69 yards, TD) are solid secondary options. In the passing game, Cole Tucker leads the way with 15 grabs for 278 yards and three scores. Shemar Thornton (13 receptions, 149 yards) and Kacper Rutkiewicz (six catches, 62 yards, three TD) are the only other players with more than four catches on the year. John Richardson has hit all 13 extra point attempts but is two of four on field goal tries with a long of 43.