When NIU accepted a bid to the Independence Bowl on Dec. 7, 2008 it propelled the Huskies into their third bowl game in the past five seasons.

But while the team was focused on winning its postseason opportunity, officials like Eddie Williams, executive vice president and chief of operations for finance and facilities at NIU, were focused on keeping a balanced budget.

While the goal on the field is for the Huskies to win, the goal for the university in a low-payout bowl is to break even, Williams said.

Although NIU procured a $750,000 payout from the Independence Bowl, because of expenses acquired from the required ticket allotment, travel, lodging and other expenditures, the university found itself $154,125 over budget.

Continue reading this story by clicking on part two.