Denard Robinson 2.0? Northern Illinois QB Chandler Harnish has been the story so far- compiling 340 total yds/game and leading the country in total scoring (rushing TDs + passing TDs) at 33 pts/ game . Harnish is a dual threat QB- he currently ranks 51st in the country in rushing at 85 yds/game and almost 8 yds/carry. (among QBs- he ranks 6th) while also having great success throwing the ball- he ranks 6th in the country in passer efficiency rating after completing 75% of his passes for 255 yds/game with 7TDs and 1 int.
smash 'em: statistics can get skewed when you play a team like Army but Northern Illinois is 117th in the country (out of 120 schools) against the run- allowing 278 yds/game. (303 yds vs Army and 253 yds vs Kansas).
smash 'em (part 2): NIU's offensive line isn't too far behind the Badgers' highly ranked unit. The Husky O-Line averages 6'4", 318 pounds, all five of the starters are upperclassmen and have plenty of experience (116 starts). Phil Steele's 2011 College Football Preview publication had the NIU offensive line ranked No. 4 in the nation.
3rd downs: NIU's offense has been especially good on 3rd downs- converting 15 out of 21 chances (71%- the 2nd best mark in the country) while their defense has allowed 58% 1st down conversions by their opponents (the 3rd worst mark in the country).
starting fast: The Huskies have raced out to early double digit leads in both of their games so far-scoring TDs on 5 of their first 6 possessions vs Army and scoring TDs on 3 of their first 4 drives vs Kansas.
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