NIU football fans could have quite the show this homecoming weekend at Brigham Field.

Saturday’s matchup will consist of two top-notch quarterbacks in the MAC conference.

Chandler Harnish for the Huskies (3-3, 1-1 MAC) and Alex Carder of Western Michigan (4-2, 2-0 MAC) are both the top performers in their offenses.

“We have to be very smart about where [Carder] is,” said Huskies’ head coach Dave Doeren. “And our rush lane integrity has to be extremely important to our defensive line this week.”

Carder leads the MAC in passing yards with 1,678 on the season, and is second in the conference with 15 passing touchdowns

Harnish has broken numerous NIU quarterback records this season, including total touchdowns accounted for, passing yards and 300-yard passing games to name a few.

Other than being able to throw the ball well, Harnish and Carder both have a tendency to create plays with their legs. Harnish ranks sixth in the MAC in rushing yards with 442 and Carder leads the Broncos in rushing attempts at 57 and is second on the squad in rushing yards with 263.

“[Running the ball] allows [Harnish and Carder] to create [plays] when things break down,” Doeren said. “It’s definitely an asset when you know how to use your athleticism as a [quarterback].”

NIU and Western Michigan are two high-powered offensive teams and the game has the potential to be a shootout, depending on the defensive play by both teams of course.

The Huskies’ defense comes off a big confidence booster after defeating Kent State last week 40-10, and are hoping to keep that momentum heading forward.

“The [Kent State game] is over with,” said NIU defensive tackle Ron Newcomb. “We have to use our confidence and build on that for this week.”

The Broncos’ defense has made a name for themselves as well this season, ranking fourth in total-defense in the MAC and being the conference’s best pass defense.

But the NIU offensive line has been the nucleus of the no-huddle offense by not giving up pressure to Harnish and being able to create running lanes for the tailbacks.

The Huskies’ offensive line has only allowed five sacks this season and has led the second best rushing offense in the conference.

“It’s something we take pride in and it’s something any offensive lineman should take pride in,” said Huskies’ offensive guard Logan Pegram.

Last season, NIU beat Western Michigan 28-21 in Kalamazoo, Mi. and both teams are top contenders in the MAC once again this season.

“I think both teams know that this game’s been circled on each other’s calendars for a while,” Doeren said. “It’s a game that we need if we have any chance of going forward towards Detroit [for the MAC Championship]. It’s a game that we have to have, and it’s a game that they want as well. It’s two very good teams.”