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2007 Northern Illinois Huskies Football Preview

NIU Huskies

2007 NIU Overview

Dan Nicholson is quietly becoming one of the better QBs in the conference and should really blossom this season. There is practically no experience behind him though, so if Nicholson goes down to an injury, the QB production will drop dramatically. Garrett Wolfe, the nation's leading rusher last season, has graduated and that leaves a gaping hole at RB since he was responsible for 90% of NIU’s rushing total last season. Look for a "running back by committee" approach to be incorporated this fall. Former QB prospect Britt Davis has been a splendid addition to the WR corps and is the go-to guy while his brother TE Brandon Davis proved to be a reliable target before suffering an injury late in the season. Doug Free, an NFL draft pick, will be sorely missed on the offensive line but guard Jason Onyebuagu is a rising star. Lacking a true run-stopper on the defensive line, NIU relies on speed and DE Larry English is one of the top pass rushers in the conference. English earned all-conference honors last season and had 12 QB sacks. The Huskies have a solid LB unit to lead the defense in Phil Brown, Tim McCarthy and Cory Hanson. Mark Reiter and Melvin Rice lead a young group of DBs that should make the NIU pass defense much better this fall. The Huskies ranked 107th nationally against the pass and that ranking should jump up significantly this fall. Chris Nendick is a reliable PK but questions remain at punt and kick returners. Overall NIU is one year away from contending for a West divisional title. Still, this is a talented and very well-coached team that is capable of pulling off an upset against Navy or one of their two Big Ten opponents.

Mark it Down!
NIU has had seven straight winning seasons but it’s difficult to see this team making it eight in a row. A .500 finish is certainly realistic. NIU is starting several sophomores and juniors and may be one year away from a MAC title with continued improvement and development.

NIU 2007 Schedule Analysis
For the most part, this is a favorable schedule. Non-conference games are "hosting" Iowa at Chicago's Soldier Field and hosting Southern Illinois. NIU travels to Idaho, Wisconsin and Navy, while cross-over MAC games are Temple and Kent State. Within the MAC West, NIU hosts Western Michigan and Ball State while traveling to Central Michigan and Toledo.

Most Important Game
September 29 at Central Michigan – NIU pounded the defending MAC champions last season 31-10 and the ‘Chips will be looking at this as a revenge game. The Huskies will need this game if they hope to return to the MAC Championship this year now that only divisional games count in the primary standings.

2007 Northern Illinois Prediction - 6-6 Overall, 4-3 MAC, 2-3 MAC West

published 07.09.2007