Phil Horvath’s first appearance in a college football game was a bit overwhelming.

The NIU junior quarterback spent the week of practice before NIU’s Sept. 4 season-opener at Maryland not knowing whether he’d be playing, starting or just sitting the bench.

But after the Huskies’ first offensive series, third-year starting quarterback Josh Haldi hobbled off the field favoring a stress fracture in his right foot, and Horvath got the call.

He took the field for his first game-time experience since high school and it was against then No. 20 Maryland in front of 51,830 fans.

“Getting in and playing is a lot different than practice,” the 6-foot-3 Naperville native said. “I practiced for two and a half years without seeing game action, and when I got in to play last year it was a lot different and a lot faster.”

Horvath threw two interceptions in the first half against Maryland, but later settled down, completing 12-of-20 passes and leading the Huskies to within a field goal of the Terrapins.

So with the nerves out of the way and big-game experience under his belt, Horvath has spent the spring readying himself for his next big game: NIU’s Sept. 3 date at Michigan.

“He has a much better feel for what he’s doing now,” said John Bond, NIU offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. “He’s got a good understanding and timing in the game.”