What a difference a week is likely to make for Haskell Indian Nations University’s football team.

After spanking Trinity Bible College, 60-0, last Saturday in Ellendale, N.D., the Fightin’ Indians will hit the road again this Saturday to meet Northwestern Oklahoma State, one of the top-ranked NAIA teams in the country.

“It will be a test of our maturity to face the worst team on our schedule one week,” HINU coach Eric Brock said, “then play the best team in our league.”

Since the Central States Conference was formed in 2000, Northwestern has battered Haskell by scores of 55-6, 62-0 and 67-7. The Rangers were ranked sixth in last week’s NAIA football poll.

Trinity Bible College isn’t a member of the CSFL. In fact, it’s a wonder the Lions are playing football at all with fewer than 20 healthy players on the roster. TBC opened with a 105-0 loss at Rockford (Ill.) College, so Saturday’s loss to Haskell was at least an improvement.

Nevertheless, the Indians ran roughshod over TBC, passing only four times. Basically, all quarterback Peter Hahn did was take the ball from center and give it to a ball carrier.

“Pete just kind of handed off the ball and we kept him out of harm’s way,” Brock said.

Chad Murphy and Carl Huff, a pair of freshman running backs, led the Indians’ ground attack. Murphy gained 154 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns, including a 42-yard gallop. Huff had 110 yards on 23 carries and scored once.

Wide receiver Chris Muniz scored twice late while subbing at quarterback. Reserve running backs Tyler Harrison and Yona Givens rushed for one TD apiece. In addition, Brett Blythe added field goals of 41 and 31 yards. Cornerback Chris Begay had a pair of interceptions.

Murphy, who spent a red-shirt season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before transferring to HINU, leads the CSFL in rushing with an average of 94.7 yards a game. Huff is third at 62.0.

Haskell, 2-1, has already matched its win total for all of last season when the Tribe finished 2-7.

Following Saturday’s trip to Northwestern Oklahoma State, the Indians will take a weekend off, then play host to Southwestern Assemblies of God Oct. 4.