Since he took over as Central Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2006, Dan LeFevour has been one of the top quarterbacks in the MAC.

In the 2006 season opener against Boston College, LeFevour entered the game on the third play from scrimmage after starter Brian Brunner went out with a concussion. He didn’t look back.

The Downers Grove native started the rest of the season and was named MAC Freshman of the Year after throwing for 3,031 yards and 26 touchdowns as well as rushing for 521 yards with seven touchdowns on the ground.

LeFevour was better in 2007, throwing for 3,652 yards and 27 touchdowns with 1,122 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground.

LeFevour was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year and was the second player in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season joining former Texas quarterback Vince Young.

However, this year, the roles of Brunner and LeFevour have been reversed. LeFevour injured his ankle Oct. 11 against Temple and has played in only one game since then; Oct. 25 against Toledo.

Meanwhile, Brunner has played well in his place. So far on the season, Brunner has a 64.4 completion percentage with six touchdowns and only two interceptions. On Nov. 1 in the team’s 37-34 victory over Indiana, Brunner was named MAC West Player of the Week after throwing for 485 yards and four touchdowns.

Central Michigan has not named a starter for tonight’s game.

“Whether it’s LeFevour, who’s been hurt, or they go with (Brunner), they’re both very good quarterbacks,” said NIU head coach Jerry Kill. “[Quarterback is] our biggest concern.

“They throw the ball around,” Kill added. “We’ve got to do a good job of defending the pass and keeping the quarterback contained.”

Kill said he expects to see last year’s MAC Offensive Player of the Year under center.

“Oh yeah, I would think,” Kill said. “I anticipate him to play.”