For the first time since 2003, NIU will face a team in the South Eastern Conference.

The last time the Huskies played a SEC team, they pulled a 19-16 victory over No. 21 Alabama.
NIU (2-2 overall, 1-1 MAC) will get its chance to upset another SEC team this weekend; it takes on Tennessee at 6 p.m. Saturday in Knoxville.

The game will be broadcasted on ESPN GamePlan/ESPN360.com and be available on radio via WLBK AM 1360 and WSCR AM 670.

The Volunteers (1-3 overall, 0-2 SEC) have struggled this season. Tennessee started the season ranked No. 18 in both the AP and USA Today Top 25 polls.

“You’ve got to understand number one, no disrespect to any other conference in the country, but you’re talking about the South East Conference. They play Florida and Auburn – that’s not easy,” NIU coach Jerry Kill said.

Because of frustration, the Vols opened up their quarterback position to competition this week. Jonathan Crompton has started all four games so far in 2008. The junior has completed 64-123 passes for 658-yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Nick Stephens has been competing against Crompton this week. The quarterback has only thrown two passes so far, completing one for 42-yards.

But it doesn’t matter who the Vols put in at quarterback, the Huskies know they are underdogs. Defensive end Larry English likes it that way.

“I feel like in a game like this we don’t have any pressure,” the senior said.

Although fans and many outsiders may view this game as lopsided, Tennessee doesn’t share the sentiments.

“[The Huskies are] a fine football team. They’re very well coached; they know how to execute,” said Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis. “They’ve been able to run the football, throw the football and put up big numbers doing either.”

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