Toledo in way of Northern Illinois' quest

The Huskies can tie for the West championship with a win.
TOLEDO (AP) -- Northern Illinois is one victory away from making its first appearance in the Mid-American Conference's title game.
Standing in the way, once again, are the Toledo Rockets.
The Huskies haven't beaten the Rockets since 1989, and in the past three seasons, losses to Toledo have cost Northern Illinois a shot at the title game.
"I have said all along that the road to the MAC West championship goes through Toledo," Huskies coach Joe Novak said. "And it does every year. If you are going to win it, you have to beat Toledo."
The Huskies (7-2, 6-0) can finish no worse than tied for the MAC West championship if they beat Toledo tonight and guarantee themselves a trip to the championship game.
In the race
The Rockets (6-3, 5-1) will stay in the title race with a victory.
"It all comes down to this game," said Toledo linebacker Anthony Jordan said. "All season long, you play each one like the championship is on the line, and this week it really is."
Toledo has won 10 straight against Northern Illinois.
The toughest loss for the Huskies came two years ago when they had a 17-0 lead over the Rockets and led 30-26 with under a minute to play in the game.
The players doused Novak with celebratory Gatorade just before Toledo scored a touchdown with 41 seconds remaining to win.
Novak won't hear any talk of Toledo having a hex over his team.
"I don't believe in that kind of stuff," Novak said. "It's a football game. I'm not even talking about it."
The Rockets don't believe it either.
"Every year is different -- different players, different circumstances, and different records," Toledo center David Odenthal said. "We can't live on what has happened in the past."
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