For the first time since 2003, and for only the second season in school history since becoming an FBS program, the NIU football team is now ranked in the Associated Press’ top 25 poll.

The Huskies are ranked No. 24 in the AP poll and No. 23 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll after consecutive road blowouts of Ball State (59-21) and Eastern Michigan (71-3). Their highest ranking came on Oct. 12, 2003 when the Huskies were ranked No. 12.

NIU was last ranked on Nov. 7, 2004 at No. 22 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll.

While the ranking helps raise national awareness of the program and recognizes its strengths, head coach Jerry Kill realizes that his team’s focus needs to be on its next challenge; facing Miami (Ohio) in Friday’s MAC Championship game in Detroit.

“It’s good for our school and good for our football program, and this Friday we’ll see if we’re worthy of it,” Kill said in a press release. “We’ve done a nice job, so far, but those are the key words – so far.”

The ranking comes on the heels of NIU’s first undefeated MAC season in school history, as the Huskies tied a school record for victories in a season (10).

NIU also broke an all-time mark in points scored, totaling 195 points over its final three games.