Sept. 05--TV/radio: 6:30 p.m. Saturday; CBS Sports Network, WIND-AM 560, WLBK-AM 1360 and WLBK-FM 98.9.
Line: NIU by 23.
2014 records: UNLV 2-11; NIU 11-3.
Last meeting: NIU won 48-34 on Sept. 13, 2014, in Las Vegas.
On the offensive: G Aidan Conlon and C Andrew Ness have started all 42 games during their NIU careers. They anchor a line that protects QB Drew Hare, starting his second season after completing 194 of 326 passes for 2,322 yards and 18 TDs last year.
Getting defensive: The Huskies return eight starters on defense, including FS Marlon Moore, who led them in tackles with 99. LB Boomer Mays, a two-year starter, was second-team All-MAC after recording 75 tackles.
The number: 50. Huskie Stadium marks its 50th anniversary this fall with a series of events, including 1965 throwback uniforms to be worn Saturday.
The talk: UNLV coach Tony Sanchez is making the jump from high school after leading Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman to an 85-5 record and six state championships.
Jack McCarthy's pick: Hare got his first career start last year against UNLV. He begins his second season firmly in command. Northern Illinois 41, UNLV 21.
