DeKALB — The football team prepares for its 10th game of the season, as it looks to rebound from its first conference loss of the season in a 27-17 loss Thursday at Toledo.

The Huskies (6-3, 4-1 MAC) host Ball State at home Thursday and only have three games remaining in the regular season.

Head Coach Rod Carey credits the skill of the conference-leading Rockets, but said the Huskies lost the game for themselves.

“We just made too many mistakes in that game against a good football team to win,” Carey said. “[We] feel like if we could’ve minimized those, the outcome could have been different.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Childers struggled against the Toledo defense, as he went 23-43 with two interceptions and only one touchdown.

Carey said consistency on the offensive side of the football has been a problem lately, and it showed against the Rockets.

“I would hope that we are able to find some consistencies, as we keep trying to practice and get better,” Carey said. “This group is still trying to do that, and that’s the mark of a really good football team. We need to find a way to do that.”

The Huskies may get a spark on the offensive side of the football with the likely return of Jordan Huff, redshirt senior running back. Carey also alluded to the possibility of redshirt junior quarterback Ryan Graham seeing some time in Thursday’s game.

“[Monday] was the first time where I’ve actually seen Ryan throw in about four or five weeks, so it’s kind of weird looking at him throw a little bit,” said Spencer Tears, redshirt sophomore wide receiver. “It really felt good though to see [Graham] back out there. It’s been awhile, but hopefully his number gets called this week, [and] we’ll see what happens.”

The Huskies are trying to defend their eight-year ownership of the Bronze Stalk Trophy. The trophy is a nod to the agricultural communities and omnipresent crop surrounding both schools.

NIU has had its way against Ball State as of late, winning the last eight matchups, including a 31-24 road win at Ball State Oct. 1, 2016.

“We really want to keep the trophy here, keep it home,” sophomore defensive tackle Ben LeRoy said. “We know Ball State is going to come out with great effort because, of course, we’re playing for a trophy. They want to take the trophy, so we have to play our game to keep it.”

A prime concern for the Huskies offense will be senior defensive end Anthony Winbush, who has 10.5 sacks on the year and has been the reason for the Cardinals losing their last six contests.

“I can’t wait for him to graduate; I’ve been here seven years, and it feels like he’s been there seven years; he’s only been there five,” Carey said. “He’s as good as we’ve played. He’s good at the point of attack; he’s just a good football player, and we have to know where he is all the time and account for him.”

The Huskies will face Ball State 6 p.m. Thursday at Huskie Stadium.