DeKALB – The NIU football team will close out the regular season Saturday against longtime foe Central Michigan University as the largest senior class in team history prepares to play in front of the home crowd one last time.
Fresh off a 20-9 loss at Miami University last week, NIU (6-5, 3-4 MAC) seeks its first victory over Central Michigan (4-7, 2-5 MAC) since 2021. The Huskies have faced the Chippewas more than any opponent, Saturday being the 60th meeting between the Mid-American Conference adversaries.
NIU will honor a school-record 30 seniors prior to Saturday’s game. Of the graduating class, 20 have spent their entire careers in DeKalb. It’ll be a bittersweet day for head coach Thomas Hammock, who will soon bid farewell to the first full recruiting classes he assembled at NIU.
“I’m going to really miss these guys,” Hammock said. “They’ve done so much for me.”
Hammock recalled how the group remained patient with him as he learned the ropes of being a first-time head coach.
“They never questioned anything; they just kept working,” Hammock said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of them for the work that they put into this program. It’s unbelievable.”
Senior nickelback Jashon Prophete is one of the team’s many veterans preparing to compete at Huskie Stadium for the final time. In light of that, he’s trying to put a positive spin on his swan song.
“The biggest thing I’m telling myself is to have fun,” Prophete said. “These opportunities that we get to play this game is short, if you think about it. (I’m) just putting my best effort forward and having fun. Let it be a moment to remember.”
Saturday’s game will also be an important one for the visiting Chippewas, who will be led by Jim McElwain in his final game as Central Michigan’s head coach. McElwain announced his plans to retire Nov. 20 – ending a 40-year coaching career.
Though the energy on both sides is expected to be high, Hammock said the Huskies can’t worry about the motivations of the opposition.
“You never play a game worrying about what’s the opponent’s mindset and approach,” Hammock said. “All you can try to do is go out there, and when the ball is kicked off, play as hard as you can play for four quarters.”
Frigid finale
With temperatures expected to be below freezing all day Saturday, NIU’s home finale will be the coldest game the Huskies have played in all season. The forecast for Saturday afternoon is projected to be 25 degrees with a wind chill of 14 degrees.
Despite the frigid forecast, it’ll be just another game for senior defensive tackle and lifelong Illinoisian Devonte O’Malley.
“I’ve been here my whole life, so playing football in the cold ain’t nothing to me,” O’Malley said. “I’m going to be out there, short sleeves; no tights; no nothing.”
Redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams is similarly versed in cold weather, hailing from Altoona, Iowa. He noted that the Huskies have been fortunate to play in good weather throughout the season, but were due for colder weather.
“It’s about this time where it starts to get cold anyway,” Williams said. “I’m just thankful there’s no snow on the ground. It’ll be fun to play an actual Midwest game for our last game.”
Kickoff between the Huskies and Chippewas is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Huskie Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Live statistics can be accessed on SIDEARM Sports.
