DeKALB | Quarterback Drew Willy was the new kid on the block last season in Buffalo.

The freshman was thrown into the mix right away as he started the last eight games for the Bulls. It marked the first time in Buffalo’s Division I-A history that a true freshman started at the pivotal quarterback position.

Willy had no problem showing he was seasoned enough for the job.

In his first year, the true freshman set school records in completion percentage (60.6) and yards per completion (9.9)

The quarterback ended his debut season with 1,481 passing yards and six touchdowns.

With a year under his belt, Willy looks to lead his team from a disappointing 1-10 2005 season.

In two games this season, the Randolph, N.J. native has completed 60.7 percent of his passes for an average of 163 yards per game.

Last year the Bulls didn’t crack the win column until November. This season, under Willy, they did it in week one.

The sophomore has found the end zone once this fall, despite not throwing for a touchdown. It came against Bowling Green last week when Willy ran 13-yards — scoring his first career rushing touchdown.

But with six receivers who have four or more catches this year, Willy has found plenty of targets to hit.

“They spread it around to everyone,” NIU safety Dustin Utschig said. “Everyone has to man up on their guy and hopefully nobody will miss a play.”

Containing receivers will be the key for NIU’s defense. Not only is Willy’s passing completion better than his school record from last season, but his receivers are averaging 9.6 yards per reception.

NIU will also have to watch for the deep ball. The 6-foot-3 gunslinger has the arm and receivers Evan Wallace and Terrance Breaux.

Shutting Willy down will be key for a Huskie defense that is allowing quarterbacks to average 323.5 yards and three touchdowns per game.

“We need to get more pressure on the quarterback,” NIU coach Joe Novak said. “What we need to find, and I think it’s a little lacking right now on our defensive side, are more play makers.”

Ben Gross is a NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.