It would be understandable if the Kansas State football team only had its eyes on the Huskies that reside in Seattle, Wash.

Though the Wildcats will contest Top-10 Washington Sept. 28, their head coach, Bill Snyder, insists its another Huskie that has been the center of their most recent thoughts.

KSU (2-0) will play the NIU Huskies (1-1) Saturday at KSU stadium. The Wildcats will be looking for their first win against the Huskies in three attempts. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

“I can guarantee we’re not overlooking anybody, especially a team that’s beat us each of the last two years,” Snyder said.

In 1989, NIU beat host KSU 37-20 behind the rushing of former quarterback Stacey Robinson (168 yards). Last year at Huskie Stadium, NIU overcame a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit to win 42-35. In that game, Robinson (145 yards), along with fullback Adam Dach (128 yards), starred.

The Huskies will have to keep an eye on KSU’s wide receiver, Michael Smith. The 5-10, 160-pound senior had nine catches for 85 yards in ‘89, and last year, he had eight catches for 136 yards. This year, he has five receptions for 117 yards.

Though Snyder is pleased with Smith, the coach said his wideout isn’t the key fixture in his Multiple offense.

“Anybody that lines up and plays is key to us,” he said. “(Tight end) Russ Campbell has gotten notoriety, Michael Smith has gotten notoriety, (runningback Eric) Gallon has gotten notoriety. But no one is more important than the other.”

Quarterbacking the Wildcats is Paul Watson. The 6-2, 205-pound senior has 17 completions in 28 attempts for 219 yards. He has thrown no touchdowns and one interception.

Defensively, the Wildcats start six juniors and three seniors. Chief among them are junior linebacker Brooks Barta and senior cornerbacks William Price and Rogerick Green. Barta leads the team with 18 tackles and Price and Green both have two interceptions.

“We’re improved from week one to week two,” Snyder said. “We’re sticking to the course we’ve plotted. We’re making an improvement.”