The Sky Is The Limit For Northern Illinois As They Face Eastern Michigan

The no. 18th-ranked Northern Illinois Huskies moved up five spots in the rankings after upset Saturday this past weekend. Last week, in which nine top-25 teams were upset, the Huskies (7-0) took care of their business by beating Central Michigan 38-17. Northern Illinois has an opportunity to move up a few more notches this weekend with MAC opponent Eastern Michigan (1-6) traveling to Huskie Stadium.

Northern Illinois boasts one of the most potent rushing offenses in the nation. The Huskies are averaging 304.7 rushing yards per game and are ranked fourth in the country. Led by quarterback Jordan Lynch, the Huskies are balanced and are able to keep defenses guessing throughout their games. On the year, Lynch has completed 61.3 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions.

However, Lynch can also burn defenses with his legs. Last week against the Chippewas, Lynch ran wild with 316 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the game. On the season, Lynch has accounted for seven touchdowns on the ground.

Look for the Huskies to attack an Eastern Michigan defense that is yielding 42.3 points per game and is ranked 123rd in scoring defense. The Eagles are giving up 246.2 rushing yards per game and must be able to slow down Lynch and company on Saturday.

Defensively, the Huskies are giving up 26.6 points per game and are very opportunistic in creating turnovers with a +8 in turnover margin. The Huskies are solid at rushing opposing quarterbacks and have 22 sacks through seven games this season (3.14 sacks per game). Northern Illinois will look to stop an offense in Eastern Michigan that is averaging 19.7 points per game. Eastern Michigan has been turnover prone in 2013 with a -8 in turnover margin.

Joseph Lisi is a writer for www.Rantsports.com, follow him on Twitter @GoForthe2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google