Coach David Braun has a multi-year contract in tow and will lead his Northwestern Wildcats into Saturday's game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at noon ET at the New Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. 

Braun's Wildcats could have an unexpected dogfight on their hands with the Scarlet Knights deceptively talented and coming off of an emotional, and close, road win over Michigan State. 

Coach Braun has worked to build up his program's depth in recent years and the results are starting to show. Unexpected contributions could pave the way to victory against the Scarlet Knights on both sides of the ball with Northwestern favored to win by 16.5 points. 

Here are three players who could surprise with big roles and big contributions in Week 8 at the New Ryan Field. 

The Wildcats have a three-headed monster at tailback and Sawchuk hasn't gotten a heavy workload since Week 2 against Colorado. 

Sawchuk ranks third among the Wildcats running back room in yards, the same running back room that Joseph Himon II called the best in the nation earlier this year. 

Sawchuk is dependable enough to carry the ball 10-15 times against the Scarlet Knights and good enough to put up 100 or more all-purpose yards. If Braun wants to protect the health of his two top players, Himon II and Caleb Komolafe, Sawchuk will play and play often. 

Honig is becoming more well known after two straight 40-plus yard games against Michigan State and Ball State, but the Rutgers game could be his biggest yet. 

Honig is a tall, well-built athlete at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds with a versatile skillset for a tight end that included throwing a pass against the Spartans.

Don't be surprised if Honig reaches into the 60-70 yard zone with fellow tight end Luke Dehnicke out for the Rutgers game. 

Timi joined the Wildcats from London, UK where he took part in an American football development academy and was trained from the ground up.

Timi is still learning the nuances of American football but the early returns are good. Northwestern needs another defensive back to step up with Robert Fitzgerald ailing and Timi could be the one to do it against the Scarlet Knights. 

The Wildcats backup has three tackles this season, and could double those numbers while adding an interception or other big play on Saturday.