For the first time in NIU history, the Huskies (3-0) will look to add two dog bones to the boneyard when they take on Purdue (1-3) Saturday.

The Huskies’ first dog bone came in the first week of the season when they defeated Iowa. This is the Huskies’ final non-conference game of the season before they starts MAC play. Purdue is coming off consecutive losses to Wisconsin and Notre Dame while its lone victory came over Indiana State.

Quarterback: Senior Rob Henry has reclaimed the starting job after missing the entire 2011 season. In 2012 he appeared in 11 games in limited action. With the starting job in his hands this season, he has completed just more than 50 percent of his passes for 702 yards. He has been inaccurate at times, as he has thrown four interceptions compared to his three touchdowns. Henry is also a quarterback who will tuck the football and run when he is in trouble in the pocket. Running the ball is hit or miss for Henry as he has gained 65 yards on the ground, but he has also been caught for a loss of 55 yards, accumulating just 10 total rushing yards this season. He is second on the Boilermakers with 24 rushing attempts and leads them with two rushing touchdowns.

Running Back: Junior Akeem Hunt is the do-it-all back for Purdue. He is not a big back, coming in at 5-foot-9, weighing 184 pounds, but he will use his speed to create mismatches. In his first year as the featured back, Hunt leads the Boilermakers with 156 rushing yards on 50 attempts. Hunt has failed to reach the end zone on the ground but he is equally dangerous in the passing game. Hunt leads all receivers in backs in receiving as well, recording 17 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. If a big play is going to be made on Saturday by the Purdue offense it will more than likely come from Hunt.

Tight End: Due to Henry’s inaccuracy junior Justin Sinz will be a consistent target. Sinz gives Henry a big body to throw to, standing in at 6-foot-4, helping him out in the end zone. Sinz has been the Boilermakers’ second-most targeted receiver this season, catching 11 passes for 80 yards. He has shown he can be a target for Henry in the red zone as he recorded a 9-yard touchdown catch against Notre Dame. With Henry being the type of quarterback not to make a big play, expect to check down and look for Sinz, especially in the red zone.

Offensive Line: Senior Kevin Pamphile comes in as the most experienced returning starter on the offensive line. Pamphile is a force at left tackle, coming in at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds. The Huskies will have a tough time getting to the quarterback going up against Pamphile. It will be up to Pamphile to protect Henry’s blind side all game long, especially against the Huskies, who love to pressure the quarterback. Pamphile and the Boilermakers have done a good job to protect Henry as they have only given up seven sacks in four games.

Defensive Line: Senior Bruce Gaston brings a lot of experience to the Purdue defensive line. He has started at defensive tackle 22 times since 2011. This season, Gaston is third on the team with 18 tackles. Where Gaston is a difference maker for Purdue is taking away the run game. He is good at taking away running lanes as he has recorded 3.5 tackles for a loss of 10 yards. At 6-foot-2, 310 pounds, Gaston can also get after the quarterback, as he’s recorded two sacks for a loss of 8 yards. Gaston will surely garner a lot of attention from the Huskies offensive line.

Linebacker: Senior Will Lucas will be highly involved in stopping the Huskies’ running game. While making just seven starts last season, Lucas was second on the Boilermakers with 66 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for a loss. The senior comes in at 5-foot-11 and uses his speed to run all over the field making a number of tackles. This season Lucas is tied for third on the team with 18 tackles. He has added a sack for a loss of five yards as well as a tackle for a loss of five yards.

Defensive Back: Sophomore Frankie Williams has been a contributor to Purdue’s defense. On a defense where the defensive backs record a lot of tackles, he is second with 21 total tackles. He is strong in pass coverage, picking off one pass as well as breaking up two passes. Williams is also able to come up and stop the run as he’s recorded a tackle for a loss of 2 yards. Another place to look out for Williams is on special teams as he has blocked a field goal this season.

Special Teams: Senior Cody Webster was put on the Preseason Ray Guy Award watch list for best punters in the nation. With that said, if this game comes down to a battle of field position, Webster and Purdue will have the advantage. Webster averages 45.7 yards per punt and has totaled 1,051 punt yards. He also has the ability to pin the opposing team deep in its own zone as he has put the inside the 20-yard line nine times this season. Webster has a strong leg as he has punted the ball 50-yards or more four times this season with his long being a 73-yard punt.