Different.

That one word seems to describe a whole number of situations for the 2007 NIU football team. However, one thing that isn’t different for the Huskies – the mission to win a MAC championship.

Led by four junior captains, the Huskies will be a younger team than in the past. However, players like quarterback Dan Nicholson, wide receiver Britt Davis, and defensive end Larry English have too much experience for the whole group to be considered young.

“It’s not like it’s a rookie group, but it’s still a young football team,” NIU head coach Joe Novak said. “I know sometimes people say, and I’ve had this in my coaching career a couple of times, ‘Well we’re a year away. Not this year, but next year.’ About half the time you say that, that team develops a maturity a little bit early.”

Nicholson is one of the players that looks to display maturity on the field. In the past, the quarterback has focused on winning a starting spot. Now, with former quarterback Phil Horvath graduated, Nicholson looks to be more of a leader.

“It’s a huge change,” the junior quarterback said. “It’s allowed me to be a more vocal leader. I couldn’t do that behind Phil. I love that role and I’m embracing it.”

Novak also noted the 2007 team is unlike past squads, as it appears to be based more on the defensive side of the field.

With returning players such as English, linebackers Tim McCarthy, Cory Hanson and others, the 12th-year head coach remarked this might be one of his best defensive teams.

“I like to think this defense has the ability to be a good defensive team,” Novak said. “It has more athleticism, more speed, and more experience.”

Unlike in past years, Novak’s question mark for the season comes in a different area.

Many assumed the loss of tailback Garrett Wolfe would provide the biggest question. However, Novak is not extremely concerned about the production from the position.

He feels confident NIU will get good production out of the tailback spot.

For Novak, a quandary exists in the form of his big men on the offensive line.

“The biggest question mark for our team is our offensive line,” the coach said. “We’ve got to improve. We need to mature there.”

Senior Chris Acevedo will move to left tackle, with junior Jon Brost moving back to right tackle. The space in between those two will be filled by sophomore or younger players.

Brost feels that line can mature quickly and will prove to become a strong point like in years past.

“No one wants to be the question mark,” the junior right tackle said. “We’ve got to step it up and show them they don’t have to worry about us.”

Novak said NIU’s offense will not change greatly despite the addition of four new coaches during the offseason: offensive coordinator Roy Wittke, running back coach Chris Beatty, offensive line coach Harold Etheridge, and wide receiver coach P.J. Fleck.

Receiver Davis echoed that response, but did say there have been some slight changes as far as the techniques of running routes.

“There’s nothing crazy,” the senior wide receiver said. “Just some different techniques and running routes.”

But different doesn’t mean bad. NIU football will now call the Yordon Center home. The new building has already brought excitement to players and coaches alike.

The younger team has also energized some of the players, like senior kicker Chris Nendick.

“It seems like when I’m out there it’s a lot more fun,” Nendick said. “These are the first double days I’m really looking forward to.”

And Novak is using that excitement and preparation to get his team ready to prove the analysis that his younger and maybe “different” team is ready to play football.

“[The players] put in hundreds and hundreds of days – not hours – days to prepare for 12 Saturdays,” Novak said. “It’s going to be a fun year and exciting year, as they all are. I’m anxious to get started.”