DeKALB | With a 5-5 record, the Huskies’ senior class can make at least one last statement Friday at home against MAC West champion Central Michigan.

But with slim chances to even garner a bowl game, what does this year’s Senior Day mean for the Huskies, besides thinking about losing the nation’s leading rusher in Garrett Wolfe?

“This is kind of a climactic point,” said senior offensive lineman Matt Rogers. “It’s been extremely frustrating having to rely on the pass the last four games when we’re a run-oriented offense. We’re going to focus on Central and try to get back to that.”

For fifth-year seniors like Rogers and fellow offensive lineman Doug Free, the last five seasons were a culmination of great strides made by NIU’s football program.

The two have seen NIU win 39 games and lose 19. They also saw NIU play its first bowl game, The Silicon Valley Classic, since 1983 — and win it.

Since 2002, NIU has tied for the MAC West crown three times while earning a MAC title game berth for the first time last season.

Due to an injury, NIU quarterback Phil Horvath was not able to play in that game, while Wolfe racked up 270 yards on 42 carries.

Safety Dustin Utschig, defensive linemen Ken West and Eric Pittman, cornerbacks Adriel and Alvah Hansbro and receiver Jarret Carter have also been here for five seasons. But linebacker Keenan Blalark’s five-year career is a little more special.

He walked on to the team before starting this year and last fall. Senior kicker Luke Biondi will also be graduating after transferring from Augustana College in South Dakota last season.

Then there are the seniors who began their career in 2003, when NIU went 10-2, making national headlines before stumbling at the end of the season.

Those seniors are defensive tackle Brad Benson and tight end Jake Nordin. Benson came into the season low on the depth chart, but injuries forced him to step up.

As for Nordin, his career ended on a low note after starting at tight end his sophomore year. Nordin’s season was halted after breaking his left leg in a 40-28 win over Ball State Sept. 30.

“This last game is an emotional one,” said NIU coach Joe Novak. “It’s the last time they may put a red jersey on. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs with them. It’s like raising a son and sending them off.”