Northern Illinois at Wisconsin

Posted September 04, 2009 11:00 pm

When: 6:01 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium

TV: Big Ten Network; Radio: WYLL 1160-AM

Series: Wisconsin leads 10-1.

Coaches: Jerry Kill (6-7, second year at NIU; 110-64 in 16th year overall); Bret Bielema (28-11, fourth year at Wisconsin).

Players to watch: Despite missing the equivalent of four games due to injury, sophomore QB Chandler Harnish led NIU in rushing (539 yards) as well as passing (1,528 yards, 8 TDs, 9 INTs). With first-round pick Larry English gone to the San Diego Chargers, FS David Bryant (84 stops), DE Brandon Bice (61/2 sacks) and OLB Alex Kube (59 tackles) are the Huskies' new defensive leaders.

Wisconsin unveils redshirt junior Scott Tolzien, the 2006 Fremd graduate, as its starting QB for the first time. Tolzien has just 13 career passes on his resume, but the steady Rolling Meadows resident leapfrogged senior incumbent Dustin Sherer and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips to earn the start. Phillips also will play. Tailbacks John Clay (884 yards, 9 TDs) and Zach Brown (305 yards, 3 TDs) will split carries while senior TE Garrett Graham led the Badgers in receiving last year (40 carries, 540 yards, 5 TDs).

The skinny: History suggests the Huskies face long odds. NIU is 1-31-1 against Big Ten schools while Wisconsin has won its last 14 non-conference home games dating back to 2003. The Huskies also are breaking in seven new defensive starters in front of 80,000 crazy fans. On the other hand, the Badgers are rebuilding on both sides of the ball and injuries could force them to play four new starters on the offensive line.

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