Is NIU football coach Joe Novak interested in the vacant head coaching position at the University of Illinois?

“I have not been contacted and I have not contacted them,” Novak said Monday. “That’s as far as I’ll go. There has not been any contact and I don’t anticipate any.”

The Daily Herald listed Novak as a possible replacement for Ron Turner, who compiled a 35-57 record in eight seasons with U of I. The Herald reported Monday that Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is at the top of U of I Athletic Director Ron Guenther’s wish-list to replace Turner.

The U of I position became open Nov. 22, when the Fighting Illini fired Turner after eight seasons. The team won just one Big Ten game over the last two seasons. Turner’s best season came in 2001, when the Illini went 10-2 before losing 47-34 to Louisiana State in the Sugar Bowl.

Leader of the pack

The All-MAC teams were announced Monday and NIU led the conference with 12 selections among the 60 honorees.

The league’s coaches conducted the voting, in which four of NIU’s five offensive linemen made the cut.

“I’m pleased to see our kids getting recognized,” Novak said. “I’m happy for them.”

Running back Garrett Wolfe, tight end Brad Cieslak, tackle Jake VerStraete and center Brian Van Acker were named to the first-team offense. VerStraete was also a first-team selection last season.

Linebacker Brian Atkinson, defensive end Travis Moore, weakside linebacker Javan Lee and free safety Lionel Hickenbottom were first-team defense selections. Atkinson received the same honor last year and was a second-team pick in 2002. Moore was a first-teamer in 2002.

Guard Ben Lueck, tackle Doug Free and wide receiver Dan Sheldon received second-team offense status. Sheldon was the 2002 MAC special teams player of the year.

True freshman kicker Chris Nendick was an honorable mention honoree, after making 14-of-18 field goal attempts.

The waiting game

Novak said the Huskies will not practice until they find out if or when they play in a bowl game.

“What we’re doing this week is lifting and running,” Novak said. “We’re waiting to see what happens with the bowls and then we’ll plan our schedule based on that.”

Defensive end Ken West, who missed NIU’s last game against Eastern Michigan with a sprained ankle, will play if the Huskies make it to a bowl game.

Howling Wolfe

Wolfe was named national player of the week for the week of Nov. 18-20 by CollegeSportsReport.com. The 5-foot-7, 174-pound Wolfe ran for a school record 325 yards against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 20.

The sophomore started just six games but finished with 1,572 rushing yards on the regular season, seventh in the nation. He also scored 20 touchdowns, a school record.