DeKALB | All right. Ball State put out its usual press release for Saturday’s game, but there was a catch.

Within it lies a statistical comparison chart showing an advantage for the Cardinals in one category.

NIU will head into its 5:30 p.m. contest Saturday at Ball State running for 183 yards per game more than the Cardinals.

The Huskies also are averaging more points per game while their defense is allowing fewer points, rushing yards and passing yards per contest. NIU also holds the edge in time of possession.

However, when it comes to passing yards, the Huskies are averaging 120 yards less per game.

But with Garrett Wolfe and NIU rushing for more than 250 yards every outing, should the Huskies worry about their passing game?

On the flip side, what does that stat say about NIU’s defense?

The Huskies allowed 222 passing yards per game last season. This year, the squad is giving up 264.

But take into account the fact that NIU has lost half its starting secondary this fall, though they will get starting middle linebacker Tim McCarthy back after sitting out last week with a shoulder sprain.

“We don’t have a lot of depth in the secondary,” said coach Joe Novak. “It’s easy to go into a meeting and give assignments. People who don’t play would be surprised how much goes into football mentally.”

BSU is averaging 298 yards per game through the air. That average is split between BSU quarterbacks Joey Lynch, a fifth-year senior, and freshman Nate Davis.

Senior cornerback Alvah Hansbro said NIU doesn’t know much about Davis, but Novak coached with Lynch’s father, and Lynch gave the Huskies trouble last season.

Lynch completed 23 of 33 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in NIU’s 31-17 loss a year ago.

This season, Lynch and Davis’ main target has been wide receiver Darius Hill, who has 16 catches for 341 yards and four touchdowns.

“We’re never really worried about what the wide receiver does,” Hansbro said. “As defensive backs, we’re aware of him and what he’s capable of, but we try to focus on the big picture. One mistake by us and it’s a touchdown. They have one of the better groups of skill players in the MAC.”

Anyone worried?

Sean Connor is an NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.