Saturday’s NIU football game will feature two teams suffering dissapointing seasons.

The Huskies, 1-5, travel to Akron to take on the 3-4 Zips. Akron, however, has won three of four games on its home field, the Rubber Bowl.

The two teams have a common opponent, Arkansas State. The Huskies recorded their only win of the season, 22-21 over the Indians in the second game of the season.

The Zips recorded their 400th school victory last Saturday by downing Arkansas State 28-23.

The Zips feature several offensive weapons.

Senior wide receiver Harold Robinson ranks No. 8 in NCAA all-purpose yardage and 21st in receiving yardage. Robinson returned a kick-off for a 97-yard touchdown last week.

Junior place-kicker Daron Alcorn is ninth nationally in field goals (1.43 per game).

On the defensive side of the ball, free safety Chris Owens is 22nd in the nation in pass interceptions (0.6 per game).

In the last meeting between the schools, the Huskies came away with a 31-28 road victory in 1990.

Huskie full back Adam Dach rushed for a career-best 170 yards on 20 carries against the Zips.

“They (Akron) are a much improved football team,” NIU head coach Charlie Sadler said. “Last week, Akron rushed for almost 400 yards vs. Arkansas State. Somehow, we’ll have to slow down their running attack.

“I can understand why Akron ranks 14th nationally in rushing. They have a good option attack, a good fullback game, and a good multiple offense.”

The Zips are coached by former Notre Dame head man Gerry Faust, who sports a 28-32-2 record in six seasons at Akron.