When it comes time for Homecoming football games, nobody wants to lose.

I learned that the hard way in high school, when it dawned on me that my high school football team played in about four Homecoming games not including its own. Needless to say, the team only went 1-8 my senior year, but undoubtedly made other schools’ Homecomings a success.

Now at NIU, I’m feeling a sense of déjà vu as the Huskies have played in back-to-back Homecomings with CMU two weeks ago and Temple last week.

But what is it like being the visiting team for one of those games? Or as I call them the Homecoming visiting team (HVT for short).

It’s hard enough playing on the road, but Homecoming adds a whole new dimension. Extra fans, louder bands, parades full of people who want nothing more than for your team to lose.

It’s like a regular football game on steroids.

On the flip side, might that make the HVT all the more dangerous?

Larry English, NIU junior defensive end, doesn’t like the idea of teams thinking NIU is an easy win.

“Whenever you get scheduled for somebody’s Homecoming, for me at least, I always take it as a slap in the face,” the MAC leader in sacks said.

I wouldn’t want to be lining up against English in any situation, but certainly not one where he thinks I’ve disrespected him.

It isn’t all negative, though. Some players prefer playing in those games.

For some teams, it’s as big a stage as they will see all season, not to mention some players thrive in the spotlight. And the brighter it is, the better.

“It’s a different atmosphere; the other team’s crowd is a lot more pumped up,” said junior wide receiver Britt Davis. “The energy is risen. Fans have a lot to cheer for and have probably been doing stuff all week and are trying to top it off with a win on Saturday. It’s a great football atmosphere regardless of if they’re cheering for you.”

So maybe being the HVT isn’t so bad. If players need any extra motivation, it surely provides it. And for a player, there can’t be a better sound than a Homecoming crowd silenced.

“I don’t mind at all; they can keep scheduling the Huskies for Homecoming games.” Davis said.

Could it be possible that the HVT could have an advantage?

If that’s the case, let’s hope the Huskies can play spoilers Saturday and ruin Western Michigan’s road Homecoming game.