Quarterbacks

The MAC’s fourth ranked passing offense is headed by redshirt sophomore Matt Schilz. Schilz has completed 60 percent of his passes this season and has put up 2,300 yards through the air to go along with 19 touchdown passes. He is coming off of a 400-yard performance in a losing effort against Kent State last week. NIU’s defense has been going against some good quarterbacks this season, and Schilz will be another one it will take on this week. Grade: B

Running Backs

True freshman Anthon Samuel leads all MAC running backs with six yards per carry. Samuel was out last week against Kent State, but he is expected tonight against the Huskies. He has just over 700 yards on the season with four touchdowns. Jordan Hopgood has been bothered by a knee injury all season and may be done for the year, according to Bowling Green head coach Dave Clawson. Redshirt freshman Jamel Martin will get the bulk of the carries behind Samuel, who has 60 carries on the year for 226 yards. “[Stopping the run] is always our main goal,” said NIU linebacker Michael Santacaterina. “And if we can do that, I think we’ll be alright.” Grade: B+

Wide Receivers

With the success of quarterback Matt Schilz this season, it’s only fitting that Bowling Green’s receiving corps is having a good year as well. Receivers Kamar Jordan and Eugene Cooper have taken the bulk of the receptions and yardage from Schilz. Jordan leads the team with 59 catches, 776 yards and seven touchdowns. Cooper is a close second with 50 grabs for 628 yards and six touchdowns. The depth behind Jordan and Cooper includes Alex Bayer (16 catches, 198 yards, two touchdowns), Shaun Joplin (15 catches, 194 yards, one touchdown), Adrian Hodges (14 catches, 192 yards) and Ray Hutson (12 catches, 175 yards, two touchdowns). Grade: B

Offensive Line

The offensive line is anchored by senior center Ben Bojicic. The Falcons have an experienced starting unit that returned four starters from last season. Bojicic is joined by Jordan Roussos, Dominic Flewellyn and Chip Robinson as the returning veterans. The line struggled to protect Schilz this season allowing 21 sacks, which ranks 10th in the MAC. On the other hand, they have been able to open up running lanes for Samuel. “We’re just focused on defending as well as we can,” said NIU defensive lineman Nabal Jefferson. “We want to stop the run, make them one-dimensional and just kind of control the line of scrimmage.” Grade: C+