Twice NIU has gone into a football game this season and been upset.

Both times, the Huskies’ strength became their weakness. And in the end, the lack of a running game spelled defeat.

If NIU’s rushing attack was a train, it was derailed in the games against Akron and Ball State.

But the difference between the two upset losses lies in the personnel carrying the ball.

With Garrett Wolfe nursing a knee injury, A.J. Harris and Adrian Davis were expected to step up. Davis did his part against Kent State by rushing for more than 250 yards.

But last week was a different story. The pair combined for 23 yards on the ground.

This may sound bad for NIU going into Central Michigan Saturday, but the team across the field doesn’t find itself in any such position.

Before the season began, second year CMU coach Brian Kelly thought he would have All-MAC running back Jerry Seymour in his backfield. A back-to-back 1,000 yard rusher, many thought CMU’s season rested on him.

But before the season got under way Seymour was suspended indefinitely after being charged with second degree murder.

Stepping in has been freshman Ontario Sneed.

After a strong debut – 148 yards against Indiana – Sneed also had his troubles.

He has been held under 75 yards three times this season; twice in the past two weeks.

But unlike NIU, the output from the running back doesn’t guarantee a loss or a win.

CMU has a wild card.

Quarterback Kent Smith also gets in on the running attack. He’s second on the team with 351 yards this season. And his seven touchdowns lead CMU.

“They have set plays where he’s the runner,” NIU Defensive Coordinator Denny Doornbos said. “That makes it more challenging for our defense, because they can run on every play.”

But NIU’s No. 1 goal on defense is to stop the run, and it’s something the Huskies have stressed in practice.

Despite his recent decrease in production, NIU coach Joe Novak isn’t going to look past Sneed.

“[Sneed] stepping in gives them a real boost,” said Novak. “Their offensive line is real physical and so is he.”

Saturday two teams will line up who are in similar situations; two teams with two back-up running backs.

If one wants to keep its dream of a MAC title alive, it will have to grind it out. And out run the other to victory.