Two non-conference matchups highlight NIU football’s 2012 schedule, which the MAC released Thursday.

The Huskies will open their season at Soldier Field in Chicago against Iowa Sept. 1. This is the third time NIU has played at the home of the Chicago Bears since 2007.

On week later, the Huskies will have its home opener at Huskie Stadium against Tennessee-Martin Sept. 8. NIU’s first road game will be against Army Sept. 15.

Following their game against the Black Knights, NIU will look for redemption with a rematch against Kansas in a home matchup. Last season, the Jayhawks squeaked past the Huskies 45-42, as they scored a touchdown with nine seconds left in regulation.

NIU will welcome new MAC member Massachusetts Nov. 3, and that game will mark the first time in five season its played a home game on a Saturday. After an 11-day layoff, the Huskies will play Toledo Nov. 14th in a nationally televised game (ESPN2 or ESPNU), and will finish the season against Eastern Michigan Nov. 23.

“We’ve won 15 straight games at Huskie Stadium and we really need our fans in the stands for every game to help us keep that streak going,” Doeren said. “Huskie Stadium is a tough place to play when it is full and the fans get behind us, our players really feed off that energy.”