Football

During his preseason press conference at Soldier Field, NIU head football coach Joe Novak hinted that the strength of his team might be the defense.

“I like to think this may be one of our stronger defensive teams,” Novak said.

However, the NIU defense may not be at full force for the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 1 against Iowa.

Linebackers Tim McCarthy and Phil Brown are questionable for the game at Soldier Field.

“With those two kids, they’re both not being cleared yet,” Novak said Monday morning on the MAC teleconference. “Phil Brown is still on an academic issue he’s working on. We will know more on him later this week.”

“Tim McCarthy had a staph infection,” the coach continued. “He’s probably a game-time decision. They’re both up in the air.”

Brown injured his knee during 2006 spring drills and sat out last season. During his freshman season, the linebacker made 51 tackles.

McCarthy, a team captain and a preseason All-MAC choice, recorded 111 tackles last season and started all 12 games.

Shattering a record

In 2001, the Toledo Rockets set a MAC record – the highest single home game attendance.

Toledo was able to draw 36,852 fans to the Glass Bowl in a game against Navy.

On Sept. 1, 2007, NIU will shatter the old record though, as the Huskies season opener at Soldier Field is a sellout. That means that 61,500 tickets have been sold.

Although the game is not being played at Huskie Stadium, it is being counted as a home game for NIU.

Starter named

During his MAC teleconference on Monday morning Novak named the running back Montell Clanton as the starting tailback against Iowa.

“Montell Clanton will start the game. He’s the incumbent and has played the most,” Novak said. “If we start off with Montell and things are going real good, we’re going to stay with him.”

However, the coach did say the tailback spot is “something we will play by ear.”

During the teleconference, Novak said Justin Anderson will get a chance to play, and true freshman Chad Spann will also get a couple shots at the position.

The key for Novak is getting the same amount of production from the position as in the past. This could mean a featured back, two backs or a combination of all three.

“If somebody’s hot and things are going better with them they’ll get more carries,” Novak said. “Just as long as we end up with the same results.”