When former NIU head coach Joe Novak took over the Huskie football program, he had a dream.

The coach wanted to host a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) team, with a sold-out crowd and have the game televised on nationally. On Aug. 28, 2003, Novak’s dream became a reality as the Huskies opened their season against No. 15 Maryland.

“I still get goose bumps,” the coach said. “I never thought we’d have a sell out.”

But even with his dream coming to fruition, all was not well with Novak. That morning USA Today ran a feature story on the front page. The focus – NIU running back Michael Turner.

Novak didn’t like having to deal with “superstars.” Beyond that, the coach didn’t want to give the Terrapins any bulletin board material.

The story didn’t make it to Maryland’s bulletin board, but it did reach the bus. As the Terrapins traveled to DeKalb from O’Hare International Airport, every player was handed a copy of USA Today.

At the same time, 500 copies of the story were sent to 2003 Sports Information Director Mike Korcek. With a larger than normal amount of media expected for the game, Korcek wanted a copy of the feature for every member of the media.

“We had a full press box. We probably had almost 150 credentials out,” Korcek said. “The circulation of all the papers added up to 5 million.”

With the media’s pens and laptops ready, NIU received the football. After a quick five play series, the Huskies punted the ball to the Terrapins. Maryland didn’t waste any time, producing a nine-play 58-yard touchdown drive.

NIU would respond. It started with a 52-yard field goal by Steve Azar. And then came the catch.

At Maryland’s six yard line, with a first down, NIU quarterback Josh Haldi ran off the right side. With no gain, the Huskies opened the play book, as wide receiver P.J. Fleck ran toward the back of the end zone.

“[Huskie wide receiver] Dan Sheldon had a nice legal, legal, pick,” Fleck said. “And Josh threw a great ball.”

The ball was thrown just out of reach the Terrapins’ defender, but just in the range for Fleck, as he dragged one foot into the end zone.

“If [Fleck] doesn’t make that catch, we don’t win that game and who knows what the rest of the season,” said former defensive end coach Mike Sabock. “That catch at the back of the end zone set the tone for the rest of the season.”

But that catch didn’t win the game. Tied at 13 in the fourth quarter, the Huskies had a chance to win on a 43-yard field goal. Azar’s kick was partially blocked though, leaving 1.6 seconds left in the game. Maryland then ran the clock out, setting up a dramatic overtime.

It took NIU only three plays in overtime to take a lead, as Haldi connected with Sheldon for a 20-yard touchdown pass. With the seven point advantage, the Huskie defense came onto the field.

On its second down, Maryland went for a big pass. The play called turned into a big mistake, as NIU cornerback Randee Drew picked off Maryland quarterback Scott McBrien.

Huskies win 20-13.

“Late in the game I’m thinking, ‘Mike, don’t even think it,'” Korcek said. “Even on the last play when we deflected the pass, I’m waiting for the yellow flags. I was standing up there and as soon as I saw Joe on the field I said, ‘Yeah!'”

Players celebrated, coaches ran onto the field and the fans went crazy.

“Ralph Friedgen [Maryland’s head coach] said it was the most hostile environment he’s played in,” Fleck said. “You talk about a 30,000-seat stadium in the Mid-American Conference, immediately you don’t think about hostile.”

But according to the players, that hostile environment produced by NIU fans was one of the keys to beating Maryland.

“I don’t think Maryland ever thought they [would be] in that atmosphere,” Haldi said. “The reason we won was because of the fans.”

As the media left DeKalb, the buzz continued. From local television stations playing with Thunderstix on their morning shows, to national headlines, all eyes were focused on DeKalb, and the NIU football team.

“To beat Maryland, to be the lead story on SportsCenter was amazing,” Sabock said. “I wanted to grade the film, but my phone kept ringing every five minutes. It was coaches calling. It was just a start nobody could imagine.”