DeKALB | Night classes, work and having homework due the next day prevented many students from attending weekday NIU football games in the past.

But, with the announcement of the 2007 football schedule, there may be an end near to the days of students asking professors to cancel class for a night or alumni trying to skip out of work early to catch a game – for one season, at least. For the first time since 1996, NIU will play all 12 of its games on Saturday.

“I am absolutely thrilled with our football schedule,” said NIU Athletics Director Jim Phillips. “I know that our fans are already talking about the season-opening game versus Iowa on Labor Day weekend at Soldier Field.”

After the opener against the Hawkeyes, NIU will head back to DeKalb for two games. First up will be Southern Illinois, victims of a narrow 23-22 NIU victory when the teams last met in 2004. Next, the Huskies open their MAC season Sept. 15 against Eastern Michigan.

For a second-straight year, the Huskies hit the road for three straight road games. This time, however, bussing to their destination won’t be an option for every game.

NIU will fly to face Idaho Sept. 22 in Moscow, Idaho. The ensuing weekend brings NIU back to the MAC, as the Huskies face off against Central Michigan. NIU will face the newest member of the MAC East to round out its road trip, taking on Temple.

NIU returns to DeKalb on Oct. 16 but won’t stay long. After a home game against Western Michigan, the Huskies return to the road for games against Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin and conference rival Toledo.

The first game of November pits NIU against Kent State at Huskie Stadium. Then, it’s back to the airport, bound for Maryland, as they play Navy in their final non-conference game of the season. The regular season ends for NIU at home Nov. 24 against Ball State.

NIU head coach Joe Novak is excited for the national exposure the Huskies will receive from their non-conference schedule, as well as the overall improved play within the MAC.

“I’m really looking forward to this schedule, and I know our team feels the same way,” Novak said. “With trips to Idaho, Navy and Wisconsin, we’ll play a national non-conference schedule. The MAC West sent three teams to bowl games last year. The league seems to get stronger, top-to-bottom, every season.”