Previews - Game 2

The Chicago Tribune: Northern Illinois wary of Western Illinois

This Saturday night's home-opener against Western Illinois at Huskie Stadium will be another challenge for the NIU defensive unit that finished first in the Mid-American Conference last season.

Western Illinois quarterback Matt Barr completed 18 of 26 passes for 437 yards and three touchdowns in the Leathernecks' 35-28 opening victory at Sam Houston State

Rockford Register Star: Huskies prepared for Westhern Illinois onslaught

“I know we won’t have any trouble getting ready to play; the coaches or the kids,” said Kill, who was 6-1 with six straight victories over Western while coaching for Southern Illinois. “This is their chance, and they’re going to bring the house.”

USA Today: Around the Mid-American Conference

The big play noted by Kill, a 47-yard run by tailback Me'co Brown, is one of the key issues heading into the Western Illinois home opener. Brown, a sophomore, injured his hand against the Badgers. His status for the home opener is in doubt.

"He practiced on Sunday," Kill said. "His hand was in a cast. I don't know how well he'll be able to secure the ball yet. But he was catching punts."