Last year NIU added Purdue to the list of “Boneyard” victories with a 28-21 decision, the Huskies‘ first win over a Big Ten school in 21 years.

On Saturday, they look to add in-state rival Illinois to that list when the Huskies travel to Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

History does not bode well for NIU against the Big Ten, holding a 2-31-1 record in 34 previous contests. The Fighting Illini also hold a 12-0 record against Illinois public schools, including a 3-0 mark over NIU.

Despite this record, Illinois is still preparing to play hard against the Huskies.

“Make no mistake about it,” said Illinois head coach Ron Zook. “This team coming in here this week, we have got to be ready to play.”

The Huskies (1-1) recorded their first win of 2010 with a 23-17 victory over North Dakota last week. Illinois (1-1) avoided an interstate upset with a 35-3 win over Southern Illinois.

On offense, the Illini bring a two-headed monster to the tailback position with junior Mikel Leshoure and power back Jason Ford. They also feature an all-freshman quarterback squad with redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase starting and true freshman Miles Osei at backup.

Osei made a verbal commitment to NIU prior to this season before changing his mind and joining Zook. Wide receiver Eddie McGee, who was injured against SIU, has also taken snaps under center this season.

“He’s a playmaker,” said NIU defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys of Scheelhaase. “He’s one that extends plays when the play breaks down and does a nice job of finishing plays. I think we’ll be in for a tough challenge based off what we have seen on film.”

Defense has been a mixed bag for the Illini. They rank 12th in the nation in rushing defense allowing an average of 72 yards a game. Illinois’ passing defense (118.4 yards per game) is 60th and total defense (304.5 yards per game) is 43rd in the nation.

The Huskies are coming off a strong offensive performance of 510 yards against North Dakota but went just 2-of-4 inside the redzone.

Quarterback Chandler Harnish led the charge with 178 yards rushing, 146 yards passing and two combined touchdowns. Running back Chad Spann also broke the 100-yard mark, rushing for 146 yards and a touchdown.

“They’re a lot like a Big Ten team; they’re physical, they’re big,” Zook said. “I think they want to run the ball, pound it in there, then play-action pass and do those kind of things.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.