An opposing quarterback fakes a handoff to his running back. He rolls out to the right, looking for his tight end in the flat.

NIU linebacker Larry Williams wasn’t fooled by the fake. He breaks to his left and picks off the QB’s pass.

While Williams’ ability and intelligence played a large role in this hypothetical interception, they weren’t the whole equation.

The play of the NIU scout teams helped Williams make the play. During the week leading up to game day, the scout teams prepare the Huskies’ offense and defense for what their opponent will bring to the field.

Graduate assistant Kurt Johansen leads the offensive scout team, while fellow GA Mike Uremovich heads the defense.

“It goes with part of being a younger player,” Uremovich said of playing on the scout team. “You shouldn’t have it handed to you right away, you kind of have to earn the right to go out there and play on Saturdays.”

Johansen and Uremovich are in preparation for the game of the year up until this point, Nov. 9’s showdown at Huskie Stadium against 18th-ranked Bowling Green.

Scout team receivers Keafta Dokes and Jarret Carter were singled out by Johansen as players who will need to be in top form leading up to game time.

“They [Bowling Green] like to spread things out, so our scout wide receivers are going to have to be real good,” Johansen said. “I see them trying to attack our defense by creating some mismatches.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Bowling Green’s game plan isn’t as cut and dry. The Falcons went to a 4-4 look last week against Ball State after playing a 3-4 in their six prior games.

“What they’re going to play against us, we don’t know,” Uremovich said. “We’ll probably see some of all of it. They’re a good football team. They’re undefeated. You don’t get undefeated on accident.”

One of the defensive scout teamers is linebacker Brent Blaschka, who has no problems with his role.

“We know our time will come,” Blaschka said. “But right now we’ve gotta prepare them.

“We just want the team to win. Winning feels nice to all of us.”

Fellow scout team linebacker Willie Smith also has a positive outlook.

“I look at it as we get some time to work on the little things,” Smith said. “That way, when it’s our time to shine, we’ll be ready.”

For the NIU regulars to shine and continue their undefeated MAC play, the scout teams have to simulate the toughness and aggressiveness the opposing team will display on game day.

However, quarterbacks are off limits when it comes to contact, much to the chagrin of Smith.

“It’s tough to hold up,” Smith said. “You wanna come in full speed.”

With that type of aggressive attitude, it’s no surprise Blaschka had the following to say about the starters and their attitude to the scout teamers.

“They appreciate the stuff we do out here,” Blaschka said. “They know we’re getting them ready. When we have a bad week, sometimes they’ll go out and start slow.”

Because the majority of scout teamers don’t see action during games, keeping them focused and inspired is of upmost importance.

Uremovich said NIU’s scout teamers don’t need much help in that area.

“The biggest challenge I’ve seen is keeping guys motivated,” he said. “But we haven’t had that problem here. All of our scout teamers work hard every week to make us better.

“They come out with a great attitude every week. They know their role and they play their role to the best of their ability. What separates good teams from average teams is people accept their role and are willing to do what it takes to help their team win.”