Saturday’s game against Ball State University will mark the 11th annual Battle of the Bronze Stalk.

This tradition first took place in 2008, with NIU leading the tro- phy series 9-1. The Bronze Stalk trophy is presented to the win- ner of the annual football game. The trophy was designed by local DeKalb artist Renee Bemis and depicts three bronze cornstalks.

“Everyone says it’s an ugly trophy, but we love it,” junior linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis said. “We want to keep it here in DeKalb, so we are go- ing to do whatever we have to do to keep that trophy here with us.”

History is on the Huskies’ side as Ball State hasn’t been able to claim the stalk since the inaugural game.

Coming off the Huskies’ thrilling triple overtime victory against Eastern Michigan Uni- versity, NIU comes into their third conference match with a 2-0 MAC record.

The Huskies ran the ball a total of 62 times for 235 yards against EMU. Sophomore run- ning back Tre Harbison led the way, almost doubling his carries on the season with 136 yards on 32 attempts. Sophomore quar- terback Marcus Childers com- pleted 20 of his 35 pass attempts for 121 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

After Harbison fumbled the ball late, Head Coach Rod Carey wanted to put the ball back into his young running back’s hands. Har- bison then punched in the game- winning touchdown, earning a hard-fought conference victory.

Ball State junior quarterback Riley Neal is coming off a monster game against Kent State, where he tossed for over 400 yards, four touchdowns and one intercep- tion. His 1,241 yards leave him

ranked second in MAC passing yards to go along with a 120.4 passer rating.

Carey also had high praise for Ball State and their quality players, both offensively and defensively.

“They have the most complete quarterback we’ve played to date,” Carey said. “I have a ton of respect for this guy, and he has some sig- nificant weapons around him.”

“[Ball State’s] offensive line is athletic; they move around very well,” Carey said. “They run the ball extremely effectively, and they have nice athletic tight ends that are involved in the run game.”

It will be strength versus strength as the Huskies gave up only 62 yards on 33 carries against EMU. The Huskies rank 37 in the NCAA in total rushing defense, allowing 124.8 yards per game.

Carey said this will be the biggest challenge his team has had to face this season, saying Ball State is really good at keeping the op- posing defense on their toes.

Conference ranking and a trophy will be on the line 2 p.m. Saturday at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana.

“[The trophy] is something we hold dear to our hearts,” Harbi- son said. “It’s been here every year that I’ve been here, so we don’t look to give it back.”