For those who may be interested in a little extra information about the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent, here are some basics on the Northern Illinois, Huskies. 

Northern Illinois has consistently been one of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference in recent years.  In fact, they've won the conference championship three of the last four seasons. 

In their first two games so far this year, the Huskies have defeated UNLV 38-30 and Murray State 57-26.  While that may not be described as stellar opposition, by any means - they will be coming in to Saturday's game with a 2-0 record.

Ohio State fans who believe this will be an absolute cakewalk may have another thing coming.  Northern Illinois is well-coached and their roster is littered with experienced players. 

Offensively, the Huskies will feature multiple formations and they'll go quick tempo much of the game.  They like to run read-option and power schemes - and they appear to have the personnel to do so.

NIU officially lists seven returning starters on offense.  However, several of this year's "new" starters logged plenty of playing time last season.

The Huskies' most acclaimed player is undoubtedly quarterback, Drew Hare - and rightfully so.  After winning the position early in the 2014 season, Hare completed 60% of his passes for over 2,300 yards.  He threw for 18 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.  He also rushed for 900 yards and 8 TDs.

Joining him in the backfield will be junior tailback, Joel Bouagnon.  Bouagnon is the most experienced back out of a few who could see action this Saturday.  Last season he rushed for 655 yards and 5 TDs on 113 carries.

NIU could be fairly strong at wide receiver this year.  The coaches are expecting big things from Tommylee Lewis, Kenny Golladay and Chad Beebe. They have a few experienced receivers waiting in the wings, as well.  It would not be surprising to see a lot of three and four-wide sets (even though they list a fullback and a tight end on their depth chart*). 

Lewis is one of the Huskies' quickest players, but he's listed at only 5'7" and 168lbs.  Beebe is also a little on the small side for a wide receiver at 5'9"- 184.  Golladay, a transfer from North Dakota, has great size at 6'4"- 200 - and has looked good so far this season.

The Huskies have a couple of serviceable tight ends.  But the 6'2"- 255lb starter, Desroy Maxwell, shouldn't present any match-up issues for The Silver Bullets.

While their offensive line only returns two starters, NIU has plenty of returning experience among the big uglies.  And they are far from undersized.  Every starter listed on their offensive line is over 6'3"- 300lbs 

Their center, Andrew Ness, now has forty-four starts to his credit.  That makes the red-shirt senior the most experienced player in the FBS this season, evidently.  Senior left guard, Aiden Conlon, is considered to be one of the Huskies' better players, as well. 

Against what looks to be NIU's base (strong right) formation, the Buckeyes' "1 technique" tackle, Tommy Schutt, may have his hands full with Ness and Conlon.

According to their most readily available depth chart, NIU has a red-shirt freshman, Max Sharping, starting at right tackle.  He's certainly big enough at 6'6"- 311, but much of the game, he'll probably be lining up across from Ohio State's All-Everything defensive end, Joey Bosa.  This could be the biggest mismatch on the field this Saturday. 

Otherwise, the Huskies have a solid line, a fine running back, good receivers and a quarterback who can be deadly either through the air or on the ground.  They're also experienced enough to show a lot of different looks without getting themselves in to trouble.

NIU Head Coach, Rod Carey, has served as an offensive coordinator and as an o-line coach in the past.  Expect to see a fundamentally sound offense.  Two games in to his third season, Carey has a career record of 25-6 (15-2 in the MAC).  It's worthy of note, however, that he's 1-4 in conference championship games and bowl games, combined. 

As champions of an FBS conference three of the last four years, the Huskies are accustomed to winning. While the talent won't be on quite the same level, the Buckeyes can expect a very hard-fought game from a veteran squad.  One only needs to look as far back as Saturday to know MAC teams should not be taken lightly. 

For those who are interested, there will be a similar piece on the Northern Illinois defense, tomorrow -

* http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/northern-illinois/91441