When the third week of October rolls around, most college students cringe at the thought of the inevitable mid-term exams.

But with its two star running backs sitting on the sideline, the NIU football team will be tested as well without its reliable thunder-and-lightning combination.

Instead, the Huskies (3-3 overall, 2-1 MAC) will get their first taste of third-string senior running back Adrian Davis in a starter’s role at Kent State (1-5, 0-3) Saturday.

In last week’s 24-8 defeat of Eastern Michigan, the Huskies ran roughshod on the Eagles for 330 yards on the ground. But a knee sprain to junior starter Garrett Wolfe and a shoulder injury to senior backup A.J. Harris has now put Davis in the spotlight as the starter. Despite the loss of two explosive playmakers, coach Joe Novak isn’t tempted to change his offensive approach.

“We’re doing the same things as if Garrett and A.J. were in there,” Novak said. “Adrian is a physical guy. He just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities. This is a chance for him. He’s worked hard and prepared so I’m anxious to let him go have some fun and play a lot.”

Novak added Wolfe had an MRI on his left knee Tuesday. The MRI was negative and revealed no tears or other serious damage, but the sprain will still keep him out indefinitely.

Running has not been something Kent State’s liked to see or done much of this season. The Golden Flashes are the second worst in the MAC in rush defense, surrendering 230 yards per game, and dead last in rushing offense with a paltry 52 yards per game.

Instead, Kent State relies on sophomore quarterback Michael Machen to carry its offense. The 6-foot-6 inch Machen spearheads the conference’s second-best passing attack with 288 yards per game.

Looking to bounce back from his worst game of the season is Machen’s counterpart, NIU quarterback Phil Horvath. The junior passed for only 113 yards and two interceptions against Eastern Michigan after throwing for close to 300 yards per game in his five previous.

Senior wide receiver Sam Hurd expects more looks his way in the passing attack this week because of the injury-plagued running game. After catching 21 passes for 362 yards his previous two games, Hurd only caught 4 balls for 45 yards against EMU.

“Last game, they had a good scheme for us on defense,” Hurd said. “Passing wasn’t really the best option. This week, we already know we have to step up big. I need to come out and play just like against Miami-Ohio or even better. I got to step up my play and play like a champion.”

Because the two teams haven’t played each other since 2002, Kent State will only know the running game from what they’ve seen of Wolfe and Harris on tape. Davis hopes the Golden Flashes will be in for a surprise when he hits the field.

“This is my opportunity to put my name out there,” Davis said. “Not necessarily be the star, but to show people I have been here working hard like everyone else. It’s unfortunate they had to get hurt but hopefully I’ll be able to step in.”