Each week during the college football season, the Northern Star will recap the most interesting NIU grades published by Pro Football Focus, a sports analytics company that evaluates every player on every play of every game. Season and single-game grades are based on a 0-100 scale. To learn more about PFF’s grading system, click here.
After a frustrating setback on the east coast, NIU football sits at 1-1. A lackluster passing offense and second-half defensive lapses proved fatal in the Huskies’ 20-9 loss to Maryland on Friday night — their first defeat since Nov. 19, 2024.
Once again, PFF has published its weekly grades evaluating each player’s performance from the game. Despite the result, NIU had a fair share of highs to go with the lows, so let’s dive in.
NIU (60.5 overall): It’s only one game, but PFF grades put a damning light on NIU’s latest performance. Overall, NIU graded out as the 117th-ranked team out of the 136 comprising the Football Bowl Subdivision in Week 2. Compared to the rest of the Mid-American Conference, only Akron, Ball State, Central Michigan and Kent State were graded worse.
Aidan Tweedy, redshirt senior offensive lineman (77.1 offense): Despite only playing 30 snaps, Tweedy stood out as NIU’s highest-graded offensive player. The Wayne State transfer helped pave the way for a 180-yard rushing performance while making his second start for the Huskies. He also finished second in run blocking (79.1) and pass blocking (73.0) among offensive linemen.
Evan Malcore, redshirt junior offensive lineman (82.6 run blocking): One week after his standout performance in pass protection, Malcore shined as a run blocker. The left tackle notably helped clear a running lane for Telly Johnson Jr. to take off for a 74-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Malcore also earned NIU’s second-highest offensive grade (75.3) while playing all 70 snaps.
Josh Holst, redshirt sophomore quarterback (64.0 offense): The NIU quarterback put up another unremarkable performance on Friday night, completing 14 of 22 passes for just 91 yards and no touchdowns. Still, he earned much higher marks this week after earning a 42.6 offensive grade in the season opener. While Holst still hasn’t lived up to expectations, it’s an improvement at the very least.
Muhammed Jammeh, redshirt senior safety (78.0 defense): Defense was undoubtedly the bright spot for NIU on Friday night, and no player on that side of the ball graded higher than its veteran strong safety. According to PFF, Jammeh played all 67 snaps and logged four tackles while allowing no catches on four targets. He also finished with the Huskies’ highest coverage grade (78.0).
