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A week after nearly upsetting #1 Ohio State, the Northern Illinois Huskies (2-1) return to action Saturday, traveling to Chestnut Hill to take on the Boston College Eagles (2-1).
After starting the season 2-0, both schools dropped low scoring affairs last week. The Huskies fell 20-13 to the aforementioned Buckeyes, while the Eagles were unable to find the scoreboard in a 14-0 loss to Florida State. Boston College enters the game as a 4 point favorite, and if their respective games last week were any preview, taking under 47.5 might be a safe bet.
Quick Info:
Game time: Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST.
Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
TV: Evidently ESPN did not feel as if the #1 defense in the country against a team who nearly upset the #1 team in the country last week was television worthy.
Radio: 1360 WLBK, the flagship home of Northern Illinois athletics, 560 "The Answer" in the Chicagoland area, as well as the Radio.com mobile app.
Stream: To watch the game online, you can stream it at ESPN3.com.
Players to watch:
Shawun Lurry (CB, NIU)- Lurry was hands down the best player on the field for either Ohio State or Northern Illinois last week. A pair of interceptions, one of which led to the Huskies' only touchdown of the game, two tackles, and a pass breakup landed the sophomore corner MAC West defensive player of the week honors.
Joel Bouagnon (RB, NIU)- While his stats (21 carries, 78 yards) may not have been gaudy, Bouagnon was the Huskies' most effective offensive player in Columbus. Without much help from his offensive line, Bouagnon was able to consistently put the Huskies in third and manageable due to his hard running between the tackles. While the Boston College front 7 may not be quite as talented as Ohio State, they will be another huge test for the Northern Illinois offensive line.
Jeff Smith and Troy Flutie (QB, Boston College)- After losing starting quarterback Darius Wade to a fractured ankle last week, the Eagles will use a pair of freshmen signal callers in order to replace him. Flutie, the nephew of some guy named Doug, is believed to be the better passer of the two. Look for head coach Steve Addazio to mix and match between the two to take advantage of what each youngster does well.
Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)- Without their starting quarterback, a stout defense must lead the way for the Eagles. Landry, the sophomore pass rusher, already has posted 16 tackles and three sacks this season including 11 in the Florida State game. He will look to cause havoc against a Northern Illinois offensive line which allowed four sacks to Joey Bosa and the Ohio State defense last week.