The MAC’s resident king on the mountain has one more step to take before facing off with its biggest challenger. Central Michigan has to get by the Huskies in order to meet nationally-ranked and unbeaten Ball State for the West Division championship in a couple of weeks.

But Northern Illinois will have something to say about how all this shakes down. The Huskies have lost eight games by margins of seven points or less over the past two seasons, including three of their four losses this year. Coming off a 45-14 spanking delivered by Ball State, the Huskies are playing for respectability here, and fiery first-year head coach Jerry Kill should be able to ignite his team.

The Chippewas, the two-time defending champions of the MAC and the preseason league favorite, have been overshadowed a bit by Ball State’s run at a perfect season, and the Cardinals’ surge into the national rankings. Central Michigan wants to make some kind of emphatic statement in this game, and build some big-time momentum heading into that showdown with Ball State next week.

Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour has been the top offensive threat in the conference for the past couple of seasons, and although he’s been slowed a bit by injuries, he has kept his team unbeaten in the league and in the hunt for a third straight crown. LeFevour’s play-making ability is the primary concern for Northern Illinois.

The Huskies are more conventional than most in their attack, pounding the ball at the opposition on the ground, and relying on quarterback Chandler Harnish to complete enough passes to make the defense honest, and do some more damage with his feet. Northern Illinois will also need to make some plays on special teams to stay with the Chippewas in this one.

Notes:

Over a six-game stretch this season, Northern Illinois allowed just 49 points, an average of only 8.2 points per game.

Central Michigan has converted 31-of-50 third downs over its last three games, for an efficiency rating of 62 percent.

Northern Illinois won just two games last season, and started 2008 with two losses, but since then has won five of seven games.

The Chippewas are successful despite having just 11 seniors on their roster. Central Michigan has the third-fewest number of seniors in the country.

Key Player (Chippewas) — Antonio Brown, WR

These last couple of opponents figure to really focus on quarterback Dan LeFevour, so Brown will need to make a big impact. He has the goods to get the job done, since he’s caught 27 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns in the past three games.

Key Player (Huskies) — Larry English, DE

If the Huskies are going to slow Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, English has to be a force along the line. English’s 28 career sacks, which ranks second among all active NCAA FBS players, show that he can be that guy.

Central Michigan by 10