Offense

Quarterback: Jerry Davis will be the fourth dual-threat quarterback to take on the NIU defense this season. The Bulls are in their first year running a spread offense. “It’s definitely a different look than what we’ve seen with the power football,” said NIU defensive end Jake Coffman. “Buffalo likes to spread it out.”

Grade: B-

Running back: Buffalo’s backfield features four runners with at least 100 rushing yards. Senior Ike Nduka has the lone rushing touchdown, however, and he isn’t even in the top five Bulls rushers. Freshman Brandon Oliver has carried the rock 71 times and leads Buffalo with 206 rushing yards.

Grade: C-

Wide receivers: Marcus Rivers is in the top 20 for receptions in Division I with 34. The 6’3″ junior will be matched up with Huskies corner Chris Smith, who came up with his first interception against Temple last Saturday. “Will our secondary be tested,” Kill said. “I think we’re tested every week. But certainly when somebody comes in with their offensive philosophy.”

Grade: C

Offensive line: Preseason All-MAC selection Peter Bittner headlines the Bulls’ offensive line. The senior guard has made 43 consecutive starts and is the linchpin of Buffalo’s blocking brigade. Good news for NIU’s defensive line: the Bulls have shuffled their starting five multiple times and none of their starting linemen come in at 300 pounds.

Grade: C

Defense

Defensive line: Defensive end Steven Means has a high motor and leads Buffalo’s defense with three and a half sacks. Similar to the offensive line, the defensive front runs light with no large interior presence at defensive tackle. “From the defensive side of the ball, they’re not big on defense,” Kill said. “They’re built more on speed.”

Grade: C

Linebackers: Keep an eye on Khalil Mack. The redshirt freshman is coming off being named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week after a nine-tackle, one forced fumble and single sack performance. Buffalo’s linebackers are very quick off the snap. “Buffalo likes to blitz a lot,” said NIU center Scott Wedige. “They like to move a lot from what I watched.”

Grade: B

Secondary: This is arguably the Bulls’ premier phase of their team. Safety Davonte Shannon and cornerback Domonic Cook are both four-year starters. Shannon was a preseason All-MAC selection and leads Buffalo’s defense with 36 total tackles. Cook and Shannon are tied for the team lead in interceptions with two.

Grade: B

Special teams: Wide receiver Terrell Jackson occupies both the kick and punt return duties for the Bulls. Kicker A.J. Principe has yet to hit a field goal from 40 yards as his longest kick of the year is just 39 yards. Jacob Schum and Peter Fardon have split time at punter.

Grade: D