NIU football (1-2) has been through the meat grinder in the last few games.

After losing to Kansas and Wisconsin, the Huskies will wrap up their vicious non-conference schedule Saturday against Cal Poly (1-2).

NIU head coach Dave Doeren said his players won’t look past the Mustangs and must focus on stopping Cal Poly junior quarterback Andre Broadous.

“They won’t look past Cal Poly,” Doeren said. “They operate a fast tempo, a lot like our offense. Their quarterback, [Andre Broadous], can do a lot of things; he’s a very good athlete. He is a versatile guy; a very good threat for them.”

Broadous will be the third dual threat quarterback the Huskies have faced this season, after taking on Trent Steelman of Army and Russell Wilson of Wisconsin.

Broadous only attempted 42 passes on the year and is much more dangerous running the ball, accounting for 156 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Broadous’ success can be attributed to Cal Poly’s unique offense, which lines up in multiple formations, something NIU will have to adjust to during the game.

“They’ll line up just like Army lined up, then they’ll shift into the shotgun and run the traditional zone read, with the bubble screen game and vertical passing game,” Doeren said. “They’ll run some power and counter-type lead plays [as well]. It’s a tough system. It’s definitely a challenge for our defense.”

On defense, the Mustangs feature senior cornerback Asa Jackson, who was named the defensive player of the week for the Great West Conference after his performance in Cal Poly’s last game against South Dakota State.

Jackson returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against the Jack Rabbits.

NIU senior quarterback Chandler Harnish said Jackson is a player to avoid, and the Huskies have to treat this game as they would a championship match-up.

“[Jackson] is a three time All-Conference All-American; he’s a great player,” Harnish said. “They’re going to come in hungry, so we need to prepare for them just like we would for a Wisconsin game, a Toledo game or a MAC Championship. We can’t take them any lighter than we would any other team.”