There is an obvious No. 1 option for Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder when he drops back to pass.

That target is wide receiver Jordan White, who has averaged 11 catches per game this season.

Together, Carder and White make a very tough offensive tandem to go against. So far, White has 67 catches for 824 yards and seven touchdowns.

“We have to find a way; if he gets the ball, not allowing them to be down-the-field plays, to be able to prevent [White] from taking over the game,” said NIU head coach Dave Doeren.

White is easily on track to surpass his season totals from last year, when he had 93 grabs for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns. When NIU went to Western Michigan last season, White torched the secondary for 14 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive secondaries had a tough time containing all of the Bronco receivers because of White. He draws so much attention that it allows the other receivers, Robert Arnheim and Chleb Ravenell,to be successful.

“[White is] the go-to guy,” said NIU defensive back Rashaan Melvin. “When the defense is keying on him, [Carder has] other receivers that can make plays as well.”

Regardless of how much attention the defense puts on White, don’t expect him to have low numbers on the stat sheet.