Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson may be the toughest signal-caller NIU football will face all season.

“He’s pretty good,” said Huskies’ linebacker Jordan Delegal with a smile. “He’s a runner [and is] pretty balanced.”

Wilson was named the Big Ten player of the week after his performance against University of Nevada, Las Vegas on opening weekend. The Richmond, Va. native completed 10 of 13 passes for 255 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for another 62 yards, including a career high 46-yard touchdown gallop.

The Huskies will have to keep Wilson contained because he could beat them with his arm, as well as his legs. He is a rare type of quarterback compared to previous Wisconsin signal-callers before him.

“[Wilson] gives [Wisconsin] a QB mobility package: The nakeds, the boots, the QB run-game that they want,” said NIU head coach Dave Doeren. “He manages the game the same way [last season’s Wisconsin quarterback] Scott Tolzien did, but he’s a better athlete.”

In order to keep Wilson in check, the Huskies will have to generate pressure on him and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket.

“[Wilson] is a great quarterback. He’s fast and very accurate,” said NIU defensive lineman Ron Newcomb. “We have to get a pass rush on him so he can make some bad decisions.”

If Wilson is forced to make bad decisions, such as turning the ball over, it’ll put the NIU offense in good position to turn those turnovers into points.

“It’s up to us to contain him,” said NIU cornerback Dominique Ware. “If we can, we’ll have a good chance of winning. As long as we play sound defense, we’ll be good.”