Here’s a key stat: NIU is 1-2 on the road this year. Here’s another one: Miami (Ohio) is 0-7.

After Saturday’s contest between the two, one of those records will improve.

NIU (3-3 Overall, 1-1 MAC) head coach Jerry Kill made it very clear that his team will not take Miami (Ohio) lightly because of its record.

“They just have a difficult schedule,” Kill said. “It’s a deal where we certainly have a lot of respect for them. You put on the film, and people say they’re a hard team. I think we will certainly be prepared, and we have a lot of work to be done.”

While the RedHawks have had a difficult schedule, playing non-conference teams such as Boise State and Cincinnati, ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the BCS standings, the statistics put up in these games have looked horrendous.

The RedHawks didn’t score a point until the third week of the season after losing 42-0 and 48-0 to Kentucky and Boise State, respectively.

After losing to Western Michigan, Miami (Ohio) (0-7, 0-3) head coach Michael Haywood benched senior quarterback Dan Raudabaugh for redshirt freshman Zac Dysert. Combined, the two quarterbacks have thrown 16 interceptions and only six touchdowns.

“Coach always tells us that in the conference anybody can beat anybody,” said NIU linebacker Spencer Williamson. “It’s important to come ready to play every week. So we’re definitely ready to go.”

One NIU player who might not be ready is starting quarterback Chandler Harnish. Kill listed Harnish as questionable with a knee injury.

The Northern Star has multiple sources who witnessed Harnish walking with a noticeable limp on campus this week, favoring his right leg.

While Kill didn’t say who would start if Harnish were unable to play, redshirt sophomore DeMarcus Grady might be the most likely candidate because of his ability to run. Grady started against Miami (Ohio) last season, throwing for 63 yards and a touchdown.

This season, Grady has seen limited snaps during garbage time against Western Illinois and Western Michigan.

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