When looking at the ISU football team’s schedule this fall, many ISU fans likely put a “W” next to the Northern Illinois game, figuring it to be another out-of-conference game that the Cyclones would easily win.

But that was before the Huskies rolled to a 3-0 start, beating two nationally ranked teams in Alabama and Maryland. Now, the Cyclones will likely be the underdog as they travel to Northern Illinois this Saturday.

ISU head football coach Dan McCarney knows as well as anyone just how tough the Huskies can be.

“Northern Illinois is obviously a tremendous football team,” McCarney said. “They’re ranked No. 20 in the country and very deserving of that,”

“[Head coach] Joe Novak has done a fantastic job; they’re a team that we don’t find any weaknesses in. They’re going to be a major challenge for us.”

Northern Illinois vaulted to the No. 20 position in this week’s Associated Press poll after knocking off then-No. 21 Alabama 19-16 last Saturday.

McCarney said the Huskies’ victory over the Crimson Tide came as no shock to him.

“To me, there was no surprise after watching tape of their two previous games,” he said. “They’re a very, very physical team — they’ve got play-makers all over. Their special teams are outstanding — they block kicks, they return kicks, their coverage is outstanding and they’ve got one of the top field goal kickers in the country.”

A focus will be on Huskie tailback Michael Turner. Turner rushed for 1,915 yards last season and is heading into Saturday’s game averaging almost 127 yards per game this year.

“He’s so physical as a running back,” McCarney said. “He’s so powerful from the waist down, and he’s hard-nosed and can make you miss.

“He just doesn’t seem to lose any of that explosiveness as the game goes on, no matter how many carries he’s had or how many hits he’s taken.”

A good sign for the Cyclones heading into the game is that a number of players will be back from injuries — most notably senior offensive lineman and captain Bob Montgomery.

“There’s a possibility he’ll play this week,” McCarney said. “He’s not going to play 75-80 snaps, but, depending on how this week goes, he’s got a real chance to play some this weekend. That would be a great boost to our offensive line.”

McCarney said he is optimistic about heading to Northern Illinois.

“It’ll be a great environment for college football, and I think we know what we’re stepping into here with the success they’ve had and the wins they’ve had,” McCarney said. “This is what really brings out the best in players and coaches alike — going out on the road, going toe-to-toe for four quarters and trying to win a game.

“That’s why we’re in this profession.”