With returning proven players and some new faces, Huskies football shows potential to gain another 10-win season.

Last season didn’t end on a good note for the Huskies as they got throttled by Marshall 52-23 in the Boca Raton Bowl, but they still managed to finish 11-3, earning a fifth consecutive 10-win season.

Going into last season, many were unsure about how good the Huskies would be due to the departure of Heisman nominated quarterback Jordan Lynch, but Drew Hare stepped up and had a very solid season. The Huskies started 2014-15 at 4-2, and went on to win seven out of their last eight games.

NIU will be going into the 2015 season looking to advance to its sixth-straight MAC Championship, which would tie them with Marshall for most consecutive appearances. The Huskies have gone 3-2 in MAC conference championship games since 2010.

The team will bring back a strong support cast, mainly led by 16 starters. Most importantly it will bring back Center Andrew Ness, who is on the watch list for the Remington award, given to the best center in the FBS. He has started 42 consecutive games and will be alongside fellow senior Aidan Conlon and Hare. Many are also predicting Hare will have a break out season.

The Huskies have a developing receiver in Kenny Golladay, a transfer from North Dakota State and running back Draco Smith, who is a tough runner. On defense, both sophomore cornerback Shawun Lurry and junior Linebacker Sean Folliard are players to keep an eye on, as they have performed very well in scrimmages.

NIU could very well have a great season. If the Huskies run the table they can possibly play in a BCS bowl once again, just as they did in 2013 against Florida State.