When NIU’s Josh Haldi steps onto Brigham Field at 6:35 p.m. today and sees Toledo on the opposing sidelines, it’s going to be a bittersweet event.

A lot will be riding on the game: a chance for a MAC West title on ESPN2 and a shot at knocking off Toledo for the first time since 1989.

But for Haldi and 20 other seniors on the NIU football team, this game will have even more meaning, as it will be their last time playing at Huskie Stadium.

“I know before the game I’ll be thinking about it,” said Haldi, a fifth-year senior. “But you have to stay focused so once the game starts it won’t matter anymore.”

One of those seniors, All-MAC linebacker Brian Atkinson, who missed last game with a broken jaw, will start tonight.

With 10 straight losses to Toledo, emotions will be running high not only for the players, but also for the coaching staff that, other than Mike Sabock, has never seen a win against Toledo.

Toledo comes in 5-1 in conference play, with its only loss coming Nov. 2 to Miami-Ohio. NIU coach Joe Novak knows Toledo is going to be a tough game, but he wouldn’t want to see his seniors go out any other way.

“It’s the hardest part of being a coach; to see players you have been around for years play their last home game,” said Novak, who has never beaten Toledo in his nine seasons at NIU. “It’s been a great group and I’m really going to miss them.”

But before the players get a chance to say goodbye to Huskie Stadium on Senior Recognition Day, they have to first take on a Toledo team looking for a share of the MAC West title.

In 2001 and 2002, the Huskies lost the league tie-breakers to Toledo for the MAC West title.

Ever since Haldi came to NIU, he’s had goals, but there are a few he hasn’t attained because of UT.

“It’s a big game because it’s the next game,” Haldi said. “But there’s a little more to it because they have kind of had our number.”

Novak knows his players will be motivated and focused on this game and what’s at stake. They know about Toledo’s No. 6 offense in the nation, the NIU coach said.

But it’s Toledo coach Tom Amstutz who is worried about NIU’s offense.

Running back Garret Wolfe is tied for the national with 18 touchdowns scored and is No. 3 in the nation in total yardage per game (175.4 ypg). Wide receiver and punt returner Dan Sheldon is also in the top 20 in yards per game with his 150.1 ypg, putting him at No. 17 in the nation.

NIU will also get back wide receiver Sam Hurd, who missed last game with a fractured right thumb.

“Western Michigan put a lot of guys in the box to stop the run,” Amstutz said. “NIU just threw 15 passes in that game and six went for touchdowns. That is the kind of danger Northern presents.”

Despite all the hype of the game, Haldi knows it’ll really hit him when it’s all said and done.

“Once the game is over, I’ll take a step back and realize that my time at NIU is almost over,” Haldi said. “So yes, this is a big game for [the seniors], but we know if we want to go out the right way we have to do our jobs before we can let it all sink in.”