NIU shares company with Northwestern and the University of Illinois as the only three Division I-A teams from the Prairie State to make it to post-season bowl games in the last four seasons. Southern Illinois and Western Illinois weren’t far behind in Division I-AA competition. Both have been Division I-AA powers in two of the last three years. But of these five teams, which one can claim the Illinois collegiate football crown?

1.) Northwestern Wildcats

Past three seasons: 15-22 (2004: 6-6, 2003: 6-7, 2002: 3-9)

Strengths: Four-year starting senior quarterback Brett Basanez led a vertical passing attack that finished 15th in completions per game (20.6) and 24th in passing yards per game (236.5 ypg). On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Tim McGarigle was third in the nation in tackles with 151 last season.

Weaknesses: The Wildcats were a meager 1-5 on the road and have a killer Big Ten schedule against No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Ohio State, No. 8 Iowa and Wisconsin.

Prospectus: The Wildcats keep it close, as evidenced by their four overtime games last season. But with a soft mid-season schedule, Northwestern may finally break .500 and get a bowl game if they’re lucky.

Results vs. NIU: Last met in 2000 and beat NIU 35-17 in Evanston. Northwestern leads series 5-0-1.

2.) Northern Illinois Huskies

Past three seasons: 27-9 (2004: 9-3, 2003: 10-2, 2002: 8-4)

Strengths: An experienced offensive line and one of the best running back tandems in the nation in Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris.

Weaknesses: A depleted secondary and linebacking corp will be exploited all season by vertical passing attacks.

Prospectus: While it may seem ludicrous to rank the .500 Northwestern team ahead of the Huskies, NIU is more vulnerable than ever with inexperienced starters at key positions. Until the Huskies can shake the Toledo curse, don’t expect a MAC title or a bowl game.

3.) Southern Illinois Salukis

Past three seasons: 24-12 Division I-AA (2004: 10-2, 2003: 10-2, 2002: 4-8)

Strengths: Senior quarterback Joel Sambursky is the Salukis’ career leader in touchdown passes and reigning Gateway Conference Player of Year. The offense averaged 42.6 points per game and outscored opponents 511-158 last year.

Weaknesses: Tendency to be dependent on Sambursky to win games, but solid team all around.

Prospectus: Look for the Salukis to win the Gatweay conference for a third straight year and Sambursky to be Division I-AA Player of the Year.

Results vs. NIU: Last met in 2004 and lost to NIU 23-22 in DeKalb. NIU leads series 28-13-1.

4.) Illinois Fighting Illini

Past three seasons: 9-26 (2004: 3-8, 2003: 1-11, 2002: 5-7)

Strengths: New head coach Ron Zook brings fire to an inexperienced team and his intensity helped turn the tide in a potential blowout loss to Rutgers.

Weaknesses: Young offense with very little experience. Junior starting quarterback Tim Brasic had only one pass attempt in his previous two years. Defense must improve second-half scoring from last year, when the Illini were outscored 165-101 in the third and fourth quarters.

Prospectus: Marginally better than last year, but will not have the talent to manufacture a .500 season when their schedule includes heavyweights No. 4 Ohio State, No. 8 Iowa, No. 16 California and Wisconsin.

Results vs. NIU: Last met in 2001 and beat NIU 17-12 in Champaign. Illinois leads series 3-0.

5.) Western Illinois

Leathernecks

Past three seasons: 24-13 Division I-AA (2004: 4-7, 2003: 9-4. 2002: 11-2)

Strengths: Senior running back Travis Glasford is the Division I-AA active leader in career all-purpose yards (3,982) and rushing touchdowns (36). He also led the team with 46 receptions last year and is on the 16-player 2005 Walter Payton Award Watch list.

Weaknesses: Six turnovers killed the Leathernecks in their season-debut against Toledo, and the quarterback-by-committee will have teams focusing on shutting down Glasford.

Prospectus: Expect more of the same struggles from last year until the Leathernecks learn to keep control of the ball and not be dependent on Glasford.

Results vs. NIU: Last met in 2002 and beat NIU 29-26 in DeKalb.