DeKALB – After the first five games of the regular season, NIU football (1-4, 0-1 MAC) stands at a critical juncture, with their season teetering on the edge. Silver lining: The Huskies still have seven opportunities to redirect the trajectory of the season.  

With a reinvigorated offense and nationally-ranked defense, NIU faithful have every reason to expect a resurgence in the latter half of the season. Let’s now explore the remaining matchups I consider crucial for revitalizing this season. 

NIU @ THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

NIU is presented with a prime opportunity to bounce back against a struggling Akron team this Saturday. Akron is currently mired in a 1-4 slump, enduring a three-game losing streak.

The Zips simply cannot find any level of consistency on the offensive side of the ball. According to Sports Reference, the Zips have the 127th scoring offense, while surpassing 400 yards of total offense on just one occasion. 

Furthermore, Akron’s ball security has been questionable, with 11 turnovers surrendered over the course of five games. Should the Huskies’ defense return to form its national reputation, it’s likely to be a challenging day for the Zips’ offense. 

NIU vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

This upcoming matchup appears to be another favorable one for NIU. Looking back at the last meeting between these two teams, it’s evident that our Huskie offense had no difficulty moving the football.

On Oct. 15, 2022, NIU dominated EMU with a decisive 39-10 victory. According to ESPN, NIU amassed 287 rushing yards, with former running back Harrison Waylee leading the charge.

Why is this significant? This season, the Eagles continue to struggle when it comes to defending the run, allowing over 130.6 rushing yards per game.

If junior running back Antario Brown can replicate his standout 152-yard performance against Toledo, it’s likely to become a cat-and-mouse game for the Eagle’s defense against the Huskies’ rushing attack.

NIU vs. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY 

Looking back at last season’s heartbreaking double-overtime collapse against Ball State, it became clear that our team showed dominance for just a maximum of two quarters. The Huskies held a commanding 28-7 lead in the first half, only to falter later.

This year, the tables have turned as Ball State will have to face us on our home turf, with a resurgent, nationally-ranked Huskie defense.

Adding to their woes, the Cardinals have struggled on both offense and defense. According to Sports Reference, they currently rank 127th in points allowed and 125th in points per game.

Expect the Huskies to approach this game with a sense of determination and a chip on their shoulder.

NIU @ KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

KSU currently finds themselves at the bottom of the MAC East, with just a single victory against a lower-tier FCS opponent to their name.

The Golden Flashes haven’t been competitive, with each defeat by a margin of 20 or more points. Their most brutal loss came against UCF, where they were blown out by a staggering 50 points.

What’s particularly concerning is that KSU’s offense isn’t just the weakest in the MAC; it’s one of the worst units in all of college football. According to Sports Reference, KSU ranks second to last in points per game, averaging a mere 12.6 points across their first five contests.

The Huskies face a challenging road ahead due to their current standings, but the fact that NIU has a less competitive conference makes the possibility of a turnaround this season quite plausible.