Lance Moore is Toledo’s leading receiver this season. In 2003, Moore led the NCAA in receptions with 103 catches for 1,194 yards and nine touchdowns.

Moore took time out to chat with the Northern Star about tonight’s game with NIU on ESPN2 and about how his team is getting prepared.

Northern Star: Where’s the toughest place to play in the MAC?

Lance Moore: I don’t know; there’s always something weird about Ball State, but DeKalb is always fun and I’m sure this one won’t be different. The crowd is awesome and they like to boo us and stuff, so it’s a lot of fun.

NS: Why do you think you guys have dominated NIU in the past?

LM: I don’t know, really. I can’t say it’s really one reason; both teams always play hard and we’ve just been fortunate to come out on top.

NS: What are you doing to prepare for this game?

LM: We’re doing the same thing we do each week and can’t come in thinking differently. We’ll just focus and watch film. We try to prepare for every game like it’s the championship game.

NS: Is there any added pressure since the game is on ESPN2 and there is so much on the line?

LM: I don’t think so – both teams have been in this situation. We’ve both been in a big game on national television. It’s more exciting because a lot of people see it. It will be a great game, but there’s not extra pressure.

NS: Do you feel like your team has anything to prove after the loss to Miami-Ohio?

LM: Not so much to prove to ourselves; we just need to eliminate mistakes. We still think we are a good team. We just shot ourselves in the foot and did some things that aren’t characteristic of us.

NS: Who is the best team in the MAC right now?

LM: [Laughs] I don’t know. I guess that will be decided in early December.

NS: Does NIU have any advantage with the extra rest they’ll have?

LM: I think it will help them; they’ll be a little more fresh. We’ll be prepared though, that’s not going to be any kind of excuse.

NS: Would a win over NIU on Tuesday be a career highlight for you?

LM: It would be a highlight because I always enjoy playing NIU. Two years ago during my sophomore season, it was a good game when we came back and won. I wouldn’t mind this one being another great game like that.