After going undefeated in non-conference play, the Huskies (4-0) will open Mid-American Conference play against the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-3) 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. The last time these teams met was in last season’s MAC Championship game. The Huskies defeated the Golden Flashes 44-37 in double overtime, which gave them their second consecutive MAC title and a trip to the Orange Bowl. Sports writer Frank Gogola will break down the key players for the Golden Flashes.

Quarterback: Colin Reardon

Redshirt freshman quarterback Colin Reardon has started five games this season after he redshirted last season. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound quarterback has stepped up this season to lead the Golden Flashes after quarterback Spencer Keith graduated. Reardon has thrown for 824 yards in his first five games but has completed less than 60 percent of his passes. He has tossed six touchdowns compared to two interceptions and is second on the team with 143 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Running Back: Trayion Durham

Junior running back Trayion Durham was the team’s No. 2 rusher behind Dri Archer last season but has stepped up this season while Archer missed time with an injury. The 6-foot-1, 248-pound running back has been the No. 1 running back for the Golden Flashes through five games and has handled the majority of the team’s rushing load. He has rushed for a team-high 344 yards and has scored three of the team’s four rushing touchdowns. Despite Archer returning last weekend, Durham posted season highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

Wide Receiver: Chris Humphrey

Junior wide receiver Chris Humphrey has emerged as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver in the absence of Dri Archer after being muddled in the pack last season. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound wideout has been Reardon’s go-to receiver through five games. He has recorded a team-high 21 receptions for a team-high 267 yards and has two of the team’s six receiving touchdowns, both of which came at home. His receptions and yards tapered off a little bit with the return of Archer last weekend, but his two biggest games this season have come at home.

Offensive Line: Phil Huff

Senior offensive lineman Phil Huff is one of only two returning starting offensive linemen for the Golden Flashes from last season’s MAC East Division championship team. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound center was voted as one of the offensive captains by his teammates for this season. He started all 14 games at center last season and has started all five games this season. He will need to get off clean snaps and will have his hands full with NIU’s interior defensive linemen.

Defensive Line: Roosevelt Nix

Senior defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix has been a force to be reckoned with during his career at Kent State. The 5-foot-11, 260-pound defensive tackle was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-MAC First Team and Preseason All-American Fourth Team. He was also named to the Nagurski, Outland and Bednarik Award watch lists and was voted defensive captain by his teammates. He has recorded 21 total tackles, a team-high seven tackles for loss, one sack, one bass breakup and two quarterback hurries. His 21.5 career sacks is tied for third-most in school history and his 59 career tackles for loss are the most in school history.

Linebacker: Matt Dellinger

Sophomore linebacker Matt Dellinger has emerged at the linebacker position, a position lacking in depth for the Golden Flashes after they lost their three starting linebackers from last season’s team to graduation. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound middle linebacker played in all 14 games and made two starts during his true freshman season. He has stepped up big and is second on the team with 29 tackles. He has also recorded one tackle for loss and one sack in five games this season. He had a career-high 11 tackles in the season-opening victory.

Secondary: Luke Wollet

Senior safety Luke Wollet has been one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball for Kent State this season. The 6-foot, 198-pound safety was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-MAC Second Team and was voted a defensive captain by his teammates this season. He leads the team with 36 total tackles and has one tackle for loss, one interception and two pass breakups. He posted a team-high nine tackles against LSU and a team-high 11 tackles against Penn State. His 11 career interceptions are tied for eighth-most in program history.

Special Teams/Do it all: Dri Archer

Senior running back/wide receiver Dri Archer has been the team’s do-it-all player. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound speedster led the Golden Flashes in rushing yards (1,429), rushing touchdowns (16), receiving yards (561) and receiving touchdowns (4) last season. Named Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Purpose Player of the Year, he was injured during the first quarter of the season opener and had only one reception in a limited appearance in Week Three. He played his first full game of the season last week and recorded six rushes for 73 yards and four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. He had an impact in the kicking game without touching the ball, as Western Michigan continually kicked away from him, which gave Kent State good field position.