NIU DE Jake Coffman

In order for the Huskies to stay on the winning path Saturday, defensive end Jake Coffman and the rest of the NIU defensive line will have to keep Central Michigan quarterback Ryan Radcliff from standing in the pocket for extended periods of time. Through seven games, The Chippewas have surrendered 20 sacks; good for second most in the MAC.

Coffman has seen enough film on CMU to know how important it will be to take advantage of a weak offensive line.

“It’s always the main focus on a team like Central Michigan,” Coffman said. “They like to throw the ball a lot so we have to bring the pressure and get it done on Saturday.”

While Coffman and company will be counted on to keep the pressure on the passing game, NIU head coach Jerry Kill wants the NIU defense to concentrate on the running game first.

“Putting pressure on the quarterback is great,” Kill said. “But we have to take care of the run first and foremost and then worry about the passing situation.”

CMU QB RyanRadcliff

Central Michigan’s season thus far has been disappointing as a whole. The play of sophomore quarterback Ryan Radcliff, though, is enough to make even the most pessimistic fan harbor some hope for the future. Thus far in 2010, the man under center for the Chippewas has compiled 2,032 yards passing with 10 touchdowns and a 122.15 passer rating. Also, not one to concentrate on one target, Radcliff has connected at least ten times with eight different receivers.

Taking a national perspective, the quarterback is 13th in the nation in completions per game with an average of 23.4.

From word of mouth alone, Kill has formed a strong opinion on Radcliff.

“He’s leading the conference in throwing the football and doing it very well,” Kill said. “And he’s certainly the leader of their football team, so it will be a challenge to keep him uncomfortable throughout the game. We can do it but our guys up front have to stay in their lanes to get to him.”