When NIU lines up for its first offensive series on Saturday against Western Michigan, all 11 players will be looking for one guy: Jason Babin.

Western Michigan’s defensive end was the MAC’s 2002 Defensive Player of the Year.

“I think he is the best defensive player in our conference,” NIU coach Joe Novak said. “He’s going to present protection problems and problems for our running game.”

Last season, Babin’s 15 sacks and 26 tackles for loss were the best in the MAC.

His 15 sacks were more than three MAC teams combined.

Babin was named to at least four All-American teams and four watch lists coming into the season.

The lists include the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is given to the nation’s best defensive player.

Babin was named the 77th best player in college football by espn.com. He’s also on pace for his second consecutive Player of the Year honor this season, with 53 tackles in six games.

The next highest tackle total for a defensive lineman is 43, by Babin’s teammate, Jack Gitler.

“He’s a great player,” NIU wide receiver P.J. Fleck said. “He’s so big, fast and strong. Their four down linemen are the best in the conference.”

Babin has 14 tackles for loss totaling 54 yards, with seven-and-a-half sacks. Both stats are best in the conference. He currently is three sacks and nine tackles for loss shy of breaking WMU’s school records in both categories.

“He’s obviously going to make plays,” Novak said. “He can change a game more than anyone in our conference defensively.”