NCAA Football Preview - Northern Illinois Huskies
Sports Network | August 19, 2008
2008 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: Last year the Huskies were done in by inexperience, injuries and untimely turnovers, but 10 starters are back for the new campaign giving fans reason for hope. Quarterback Dan Nicholson completed 60.9 percent of his throws last year, but tossed 14 interceptions against just nine TDs. Without question it was a tough season for the senior signal caller, but with four of the five starting linemen back, along with some key offensive weapons, Nicholson is poised to redeem himself in '08.
Wide receivers Matt Simon and Britt Davis are hoping for big seasons, as Simon led the squad last year in receptions, yards and TDs. This year Davis could be the more dangerous receiver, as new head coach Jerry Kill will likely use him to stretch the field. "Coach Kill summed it up." said Davis. "We need somebody that's going to stretch the field. Whether that's me, Matt (Simon), or a combination of both. We have to have somebody that can stretch the field. You always have to have role players. You look at the Patriots, and they have Randy Moss, a big play guy, and they have Wes Welker, a possession receiver. The best football team's have those type of people."
One of the bright spots for NIU last season was the production of Justin Anderson, as the tailback rumbled for 1,245 yards and eight scores. As mentioned earlier, four starting linemen are back and the depth for the line is extremely strong which could only benefit the junior RB who will likely reach the 1,000-yard plateau once again.
DEFENSE: Opposing running backs must have loved facing the Huskies last season, as the defense surrendered a whopping 210 ypg, which was the worst showing for a NIU squad since 1997. However, with four starters back in the fold, including 2007 MAC Defensive MVP Larry English, the Huskies are poised for a huge improvement. English collected 10.5 sacks last year and is without question the heart and soul of this unit. "It's definitely something that's going to be key." English stated, "I think in a lot of cases my role as a leader is just as, if not more important, than my play on the field. I think for me, and also the seniors and upperclassmen, the older guys that we have, it's got to be important that we have the team on the same track pushing for the same goal."
The linebacking group should also be much improved thanks in large part to the return of middle linebacker Tim McCarthy, who played only two games last season before suffering an injury. McCarthy, who collected over 100 tackles in the '05 and '06 seasons, will be joined with Cory Hanson who also missed a large part of last year with an injury. Bradley Pruitt will lead the secondary, as the safety is coming off a 92-tackle season. Joining Pruitt will be cornerbacks Chase Carter and Melvin Rice, both of whom will definitely look to improve in 2008.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Simon only returned eight punts last season, averaging 10.5 ypr, but he will likely get another crack at the job this fall and should increase that figure. Britt Davis and Marcus Perez did an excellent job returning kicks during the 2006 campaign, but last year both were bothered by injuries. They appear healthy so expect them to resume their roles. The only position that needs to be addressed is placekicker, as Chris Nendick has moved on, but coach Kill is hoping that Mike Salerno can step in and do the job.
OUTLOOK: Last year was a huge disappointment for the Huskies, but with 21 starters back they are poised to make a tremendous turnaround. The offense should be in better shape, and once the team fully grasps Kill's scheme the unit will surely flourish. On the other side of the ball the team is filled with plenty of leaders, so expect an enormous increase in productivity. Unfortunately the Huskies will face a daunting schedule, particularly when they hit the road for clashes against Minnesota, Western Michigan, Tennessee and Ball State. If the Huskies can sneak away with some tough wins on the road, they could make a run at a bowl game.
