On a hazy, humid night last year in DeKalb, it was an upset over then-No. 15 Maryland that began the Huskies’ best start since 1965.

The 20-13 overtime win in front of a sellout crowd at Huskie Stadium was the first of eight wins in a row to begin the season.

NIU starts its 2004 campaign at Maryland’s Byrd Stadium for a rematch at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Over the last three seasons, Maryland has amounted a 19-1 record when playing at home.

“It’s a great challenge,” NIU linebacker Brian Atkinson said. “The last victory built great confidence, and going to Maryland will be an even greater challenge. We just have to play this game with the same intensity as every other game.”

NIU quarterback Josh Haldi, who has a minor stress fracture in his right foot, will start, NIU coach Joe Novak said. But Novak would be more likely to pull him in this, a non-conference game.

“His foot hurt a little today, but not as much as it did before,” Novak said. “If we have to sit him for another week, we’ll do that.”

This time, Maryland won’t play as if its opponent is a second-class team, Terrapin running back Josh Allen said.

“We’re not looking at it so much as revenge as much as redemption,” Allen said, who started eight games last year and ran for 957 yards. “Last year we went there and played hard, but not as well as we thought we’re capable of. NIU was very hungry. It was a hard-fought game, and the best team won.”

While the Terrapins, who finished 10-3 last season, may play for redemption, NIU still looks for respect, Huskies wide receiver Dan Sheldon said.

“When you beat them a second time, it’s hard to say it’s a fluke,” Sheldon said. “We’ve been fighting for respect for years, but that just makes us work harder. We don’t underestimate them at all. They’re no different than we are.”

With the loss of star running back Michael Turner and receiver P.J. Fleck – both are playing in the NFL – as well as eight other starters, NIU’s team will have a different look this season.

Even with the loss of several key offensive players, Novak said the team has the capability to be as good, if not better, offensively this season.

The offense will be led by junior running back A.J. Harris and Haldi, who owns a 18-6 career record as a starter. The returning offensive line, led by First-Team All-MAC offensive tackle Jake VerStraete, will be a strength of the team, Novak said.

“The line is the backbone of our team,” Sheldon said. “It gives [Haldi] time to make good decisions. It’s great as a receiver to know that you’ll have the time to run your route correctly and that the ball is going to be there.”

Maryland will return 11 of its 24 starters this season. Sophomore quarterback Joel Stratham will see his first start against the Huskies. He played in six games last year and threw 12-of-25 passes for 156 yards.