It was a long time in the waiting, but the moment has finally arrived for 1992 Huskie football as NIU takes on the mighty Big Ten Conference and the University of Illinois this Saturday at 6 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

One of the many inside contests of Saturday’s matchup includes the quarterback war between projected starters Jason Verduzco and Rob Rugai.

In 11 games last year, Verduzco completed 252 of 420 passes for 3,014 yards and 15 touchdowns. He ranks 14th among all-time Big Ten passers and could advance as high as 12th after Saturday’s game.

“He seems to have really bought into (Illinois offensive coordinator) Tom Beck’s offense,” said Illini head coach Lou Tepper. “I haven’t seen anything negative about his demeanor. He’s been very positive.”

Rugai, in nine games last year, threw 47 of 86 pass completions for 624 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He also holds a 1-1 record as the starting quarterback.

“I feel good about the team right now,” Rugai said. “I’m relaxed with the offense. I think we’re hungry.”

Talent will also flare at the linebacking position. Gerald Nickelberry will begin only his second season with the Huskies. The All-Independent candidate started the last seven games for NIU last year and received second-team freshman All-America honors.

“Gerald has experience that should help him be a good linebacker,” said NIU head coach Charlie Sadler. “He’s still a young player and should improve in every game we play.”

The Illini’s Dana Howard will also be a force to be reckoned with at the linebacker position. Also a sophomore, the All-America candidate was among the Big Ten’s best as a freshman.

No game would be without its share of injuries. The NIU list includes senior flankerback William Patrick, who suffered a left ankle sprain but will probably play and junior defensive end Paul McAndrews, who is questionable with a fractured left hand.

On the other sideline, the Illini’s starting inside linebacker John Holecek suffered torn ligaments in his right knee and will not play on Saturday, along with sophomore starting tight end Ken Dilger, who suffered torn cartilage in his right knee.

The first-ever meeting between the two schools highlights NIU’s 800th game of all-time.

And if you’re looking for a statistical fact that might ensure a Huskie victory, don’t look at their record versus the Big Ten Conference. NIU holds a 1-15-1 ledger. However, Sadler isn’t worried about past records, statistics or quotes.

“Our team is really excited right now,” the second-year coach said. “They’re excited about the Illinois game, and they’re excited about the whole season.”