NIU’s key player: Chandler Harnish

By Tony Osborne

There’s some unfinished business between NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish and Wisconsin.

Two seasons ago, the Huskies fell to the Badgers 28-20 at Camp Randall Stadium.

“[That game] ended on a bad note, and left a bad taste in [my] mouth,” Harnish said. “We definitely have confidence that we can play with these guys and have a chance to win at the end of the game.”

For NIU to upset Wisconsin, the redshirt senior will need to continue his almost Heisman-like performance he’s had through the first two weeks.

“Chandler’s throwing and running well,” said Dave Doeren, NIU football head coach.

That might be a slight understatement for this dual-threat signal caller. Through two games this season, Harnish has thrown for 510 yards while completing 75 percent of his passes.

Harnish has also ran for 169 yards of his own, with four touchdowns.

Through two games, Harnish has accounted for 11 touchdowns through the air and on the ground.

If Harnish comes out with another rocket-fast start to the game along with sound defense, the Huskies could trump the Badgers.

Harnish is looking for the Huskies to play a relaxed but quick-paced game.

“We just have to come out and play loose, play fast, and try to do something special for this university,” Harnish said.