Brandon Mangia: So, Ben, got any plans for the weekend?

Ben Gross: Well, I was going to go to Iowa to visit some friends. But then I remembered NIU football was taking on Kent State this weekend.

BM: OK, so, you’re not going to Iowa because Northern is playing Kent State at home this week? Go out and have a good time. I’m sure you won’t miss too much.

BG: What’re ya talking about? Are you saying that watching Huskie football isn’t worthwhile?

BM: Well, when it comes to this season, yeah, driving to Iowa sounds like a much better option. NIU has lost its last two games by a combined score of 114-24. What, do you think playing at home for the first time in almost a month will suddenly ignite the team to possibly get a win?

BG: Maybe NIU is like a diesel engine during a cold winter day. The glow plugs are just not warm enough to get that engine going. This could be the game where they finally heat up and the engine fires.

BM: First of all, I don’t even know what that means. Second, KSU has the leading rusher in the MAC, Eugene Jarvis. This guy is averaging 140 yards per game and you know how the Huskie defense is when it comes to giving up yards. I won’t even get into the game against Toledo two weekends ago.

I think that with all but nine players returning next year, the mindset of the Huskies is to get these final three games over with.

BG: As Herm Edwards would say, “You play to win the game!” And it doesn’t matter what your situation is.

So, yeah, the chances of winning are low. But games aren’t played by statistics, and that’s why we watch. Who knows – this could be the game where Justin Anderson scores five touchdowns in one half!

BM: Come on. Do you honestly think that can happen?

BG: Okay, maybe five is generous … way too generous.

BM: In all likelihood, NIU will only get the ball five to six times in first half. And the chances of getting to the red zone on each of those drives is highly unlikely.

And even if that happens, the Huskies are last in the MAC in red zone offense.

BG: Valid point. But what it all boils down to is if you’re in DeKalb on Saturday afternoon, there’s nothing better to do than watch three hours of college football.

BM: Yeah, you’re right. Watching hours of football in your apartment or dorm room on ESPN, ABC or CBS sounds pretty good. I love watching the SEC games.

BG: So, do you break out the thunderstix at home too?

BM: No, but my friends and I bring Morgan, Jack and Jim over. And that usually results in more fun than thunderstix.

BG: Oh no you didn’t! Never dis’ the ‘stix again. You got a point though.

Watching NIU compete is not the same as watching Alabama versus LSU from last weekend. But you can’t catch the tailgating, atmosphere, or that awesome cannon in the endzone from your couch – unless you live in Lincolnshire West, that is.

BM: Ben, the cannons only go off when the Huskies score. And unfortunately, that hasn’t happened too much this season. But you’re right. Nothing beats tailgating, especially in the latter end of the football season when the cold weather arrives. But will there be any fans there to tailgate with you, or have the fans given up on this team?

BG: Honestly, I can’t answer that till Saturday afternoon. NIU hasn’t played a home game in almost a month.

And maybe the fans have given up on the team, but they shouldn’t give up on the social activity that is college football.