Quarterback

Toledo signal-caller Bruce Gradkowski is the sixth-leading passer in the nation and completes 71 percent of his passes. NIU’s Josh Haldi is getting back to top form after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot in August. Edge: Toledo

Running back

NIU is the leading running team in the MAC, averaging 63 more rushing yards per game than any other MAC team. Garrett Wolfe is a big reason for that, as he is the eighth-leading rusher in the nation at 138.6 yards per game. His backup, A.J. Harris, would be starting for most teams in the MAC. Toledo’s Quinton Broussard is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Edge: NIU

Offensive line

NIU’s men up front, led by pro prospect Jake VerStraete, have allowed NIU runners to average a stellar 5.1 yards per carry. Huskie quarterbacks have only been sacked 10 times in nine games. Toledo is averaging a full yard less per run than NIU and has allowed four more sacks. Left tackle Nick Kaczur was named the ninth-best offensive lineman in the country by Sporting News. Edge: NIU

Receivers and tight ends

Toledo’s Lance Moore was a first-team All-MAC selection last season and is seventh in the nation with 65 receptions. Kenny Higgins and Steve Odom are solid complements to Moore for the Rockets. Chris Holmes is a big target for Gradkowski at tight end. NIU’s Dan Sheldon is as explosive as they get, but Sam Hurd will be playing with a splint on his right thumb. Brad Cieslak has emerged as a threat at tight end this season. Edge: Toledo

Defensive line

The Rockets are young up front, with two freshmen starting at defensive tackle. Defensive end Phil Alexander leads the Rockets with three sacks and six tackles for loss. Ken West tops NIU with eight sacks but hasn’t recorded one in three games. Travis Moore is back at full throttle this season after suffering a left ankle sprain last year. Defensive tackle Martin Wilson has been coming on for NIU as of late. Edge: NIU

Linebackers

NIU’s Brian Atkinson is one of the best linebackers in the nation and will be back today after missing the Ball State game with a broken jaw. Javan Lee’s 11 tackles for loss lead NIU. Anthony Jordan is a tackling machine for Toledo, racking up 72 this season. Edge: NIU

Secondary

Any discussion of the Toledo secondary must begin with free safety Patrick Body. He is the Rockets’ leader in tackles and forced fumbles and is tied for the most interceptions, with two. He can’t do everything, however, as the Rockets allow the fourth-most passing yards per game in the nation. NIU isn’t exactly a pass-stopper itself, as the Huskies are 71st in pass defense out of 117 teams. Ray Smith always seems to be around the ball for NIU. Edge: NIU

Special teams

The NIU special teams have been anything but stellar lately. The Huskies gave up a 94-yard kickoff return against Ball State that allowed the Cardinals to stay in the game and nearly pull off an upset. Kicker Chris Nendick had trouble keeping his kickoffs inbounds against Ball State, but has made 11-of-14 field goals. Jason Robbins has missed only one field goal for Toledo, while the Rockets’ kickoff coverage has been good, allowing only 16.9 yards per return. Edge: Toledo

Intangibles

NIU has the advantage of playing at Huskie Stadium, where it has won 11 games in a row. Toledo, however, has won 10 straight games against NIU and hasn’t lost to the Huskies in 15 years. Edge: Toledo

Final verdict

This game will likely be a high-scoring affair, with lots of offense for the people watching on ESPN2. If NIU’s special teams don’t improve, the Huskies could be in trouble. Look for Wolfe to have a big day running the football. The NIU defense will do just enough to bring home the win and MAC West title.