TV/radio: 6 p.m.; ESPN2, WLBK-AM 1360, WCKG-FM 105.9 WAUR-AM 930
Line: NIU by 1.
2004 records: BG 1-1; NIU 1-2. MAC opener.
Series: BG leads 10-4.
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Last meeting: Bowling Green rolled up 634 yards, 438 through the air, and controlled the ball for 39:12 in a 34-18 victory at home on Oct. 25, 2003.
Team comparison: (averages, rank)
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CATEGORY BG NIU
Rushing off. 133.5 (73) 142.0 (65)
Passing off. 251.5 (29) 237.7 (38)
Total off. 385.0 (51) 379.7 (56)
Scoring off. 36.5 (24) 28.0 (44)
Rushing def. 169.5 (78) 162.5 (75)
Passing def. 258.0 (96) 200.7 (58)
Total def. 427.5 (92) 363.0 (66)
Scoring def. 25.0 (67) 31.0 (90)
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NIU outlook: Huskies hope to run the ball, control the clock and keep QB Omar Jacobs and the Falcons’ high-powered, pass-oriented spread offense off the field. Tailback A.J. Harris, his blockers and avoiding turnovers are keys.
BG outlook: Coach Gregg Brandon calls football “a chess game.” He will seek to negate NIU’s physical defense by spreading his receivers, stretching the field and creating mismatches in the secondary.