The NIU Huskies come to Memorial Stadium this Saturday with a record of 1–1. Northern Illinois lost its seventh straight season-opener against Iowa State Cyclones 27–10. NIU’s offense struggled the entire first half of the ball game. Its best scoring chance of the first half came with 57 seconds left to play in the second quarter, when safety Tracy Wilson intercepted a pass and returned it to the Iowa State 23-yard line. NIU reached the ISU 16 but missed a 33-yard field goal attempt as the half ended. The Huskies were out-gained 279-112 in the first half and just five first downs. In the first half NIU was 0–7 in third down attempts and finished the game only 3–13 on third down conversions. The Huskies finally scored in the first drive in the second half, driving 67 yards in 14 plays. Settling for a field goal attempt from the 2 yard line, which was a career first for freshman kicker Mathew Sims.
In their second game of the season NIU faced North Dakota in a home opener. Junior QB Chandler Harnish rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown, and threw for 146 yards and a touchdown. Despite the QB standout performance, NIU held only a 2 point advantage going into the fourth quarter. Harnish ran 40 yards up the middle for a touchdown, on the first play of the fourth quarter. Senior TB Chad Spann finished the game with 140 yards on 21 carries. NIU Huskies won 23-14 for their first victory this season.
Similar to SIU, NIU has an above average QB and TB that the Illini defense will be tasked with containing. The Illini defenses has made great improvements in stopping the run and are getting better each game in pass defense. The Illini D has only allowed 609 yards total offense and 26 points compared to last year at this time. Last year at this time we were allowing 420 yards per game and 27 points per game. It will be critical for our defense to set the tone, stay aggressive and attack. I expect a big game from #97 Clay Nurse ( Bandit), #93 Corey Liuget, #38 Ian Thomas, and #2 Martez Wilson in shutting down the NIU run game. I anticipate the Illini’s first interception of the season in this game; if this is to happen our Safeties #3 Tavon Wilson and #9 Trulon Henry will have to take away the deep threat.
The Illini offense must remain consistent and systematic, the O line will have to open the running lanes and protect our QB #2 Nathan Scheelhaase. The team’s receiving core lead by #8 AJ Jenkins will have to continue to be great down field blockers in the run game. QB Nathan Scheelhaase will continue to throw darts this week and take care of the football. Look to Scheelhaase to look for his TE’s more than two times per game.
Congratulations to #5 Mikel Leshoure for making the 1000+yard career rushing mark. Congratulations to #87 Anthony Santella for becoming the 2nd ranked punter nationally.
Prep Picks Week #4:Fisher Bunnies, Villa Grove Blue Devils, GCMS Falcons, Westville Tigers, STM Sabers, Unity Rockets, SJO Spartans, Monticello Sages, M-S Bulldogs