By Alan Gerould, Senior Columnist

We are pleased to have Eddie Carifio, who like so many in the smaller media markets, is wearing a lot of hats for the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. Fortunately, one of them is Northern Illinois football and we place him now in the BroncoBlitz hot seat.

BroncoBlitz: NIU Head Coach Thomas Hammock played for the Huskies at the same time WMU Head Coach Tim Lester was playing for the Broncos. Although NIU has struggled during Hammock’s tenure, the Huskies have still competed down to the final gun and are a dangerous opponent. That being said, Huskie Nation is not accustomed to being 0-3, facing back to back losing seasons and mired in the MAC West cellar. What’s the buzz around DeKalb? Does Hammock have the understanding and support of the administration and fan base? Are the players still all in with Hammock and his coaches?

Eddie Carifio: For the most part, people seem to grasp that this is going to be a long year. And good thing it came in a short year. The team is starting so many true freshmen, it could be up to seven on defense on Saturday. And Hammock definitely seems to be a players' coach. There was a mass exodus of players last year, but the ones who stuck around seem committed to what he's doing.

BroncoBlitz: The Huskies offense has been productive at times this season. It all starts with Ross Bowers at quarterback. What is the strength of the Huskie attack and who else should Bronco fans keep an eye on?

Eddie Carifio: Strength might be going a little too far. The offense has been anemic, and when it has moved it's shot itself in the foot with turnovers. Three were returned for scores against Buffalo in a 19-point loss, so do the math on that one. Bowers has been effective in the short game finding Daniel Crawford, Tyrice Richie or Cole Tucker, but hasn't been able to do much deep. And that's with the line buying him much more time than last year. Running wise, Erin Collins doesn't get less than 3 yards anytime he touches the ball, but really doesn't get more than 3 either. Harrison Waylee has shown home-run potential but hasn't put it all together yet.

BroncoBlitz: NIU has traditionally had a strong defense and with the exception of some trouble with CMU’s wildcat, they have been largely successful slowing down the run. Who are the studs on the Huskie defense and where are they most vulnerable?

Eddie Carifio: The numbers may not look overly impressive, but this is a very, very good defense capable of making huge plays. Kyle Pugh is having a standout year, but a targeting call on him last week will leave him on the bench for the first half this week. The team can get to the quarterback fairly regularly, with six sacks this year. The secondary does have three picks this year, but they can be beat for a big play.

BroncoBlitz: Special Teams can be a real wildcard in a game like this. Hammock doesn’t seem to have any concerns calling on field goal kicker John Richardson when the situation calls for it. How do the other segments stack up?

Eddie Carifio: Matt Ference, unfortunately for NIU fans, has been one of the team's best weapons for years. He's their punter. Trayvon Rudolph already has more kick return yards this year than the Huskies had as a team all of last year - he actually accomplished that after the opener. He's probably going to get a score before the year is over. And, again, he's a true freshman.

BroncoBlitz: NIU 17 WMU 14 is all the incentive the Broncos need to get juiced up for this contest on Saturday. It was about a year ago that the Huskies upset the Broncos to knock them out of an opportunity to return to the MAC Championship. This year the folks in Vegas have the Broncos favored by more than two touchdowns but knowing the history of this game, I think it will be much closer. What do you think the keys are to a Huskie win and what do you think the final score will be when the final gun sounds?

Eddie Carifio: f the Huskies don't turn the ball over, I think they win the game. However, I think that's kind of a long shot. I do think they'll be able to keep the Broncos offense in check (kinda). Their defense is excellent, but not shut-down-a-top-offense-for-four-quarters-with-no-offensive support excellent. If they can keep a lid on the Broncos most of the time, stay off the field, and get a turnover or two they'll keep things interesting. The offense, obviously, has to bounce back from last week and going 3.5 quarters without scoring. I think they do. Western Michigan 38, NIU 27