Chris Nendick’s game-winning field goal as time expired not only won the game Saturday for NIU; it also helped the freshman add another award to his quickly growing list of achievements.

On Monday, Nendick was named the MAC special teams Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks. The Naperville native made three of four field goals, including a 39-yarder as time expired to give the Huskies a 30-28 win over Central Florida.

“For the first time in my career I wanted to turn around and not watch,” said NIU coach Joe Novak about the game-winning kick. “It was right down the middle and I think it would have been good from 50, to be honest with you.”

On the season, Nendick is 9-of-11 on field goals and 22-of-23 on extra points.

NIU running back Garrett Wolfe was one of two Huskies to be nominated for player of the week awards. Wolfe, who ran for 142 yards and a touchdown, was beaten out by Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs, who had 462 yards of total offense.

Linebacker Javon Lee, who had 13 tackles, was also nominated for NIU.

West is best

NIU defensive end Ken West had his second consecutive record-setting day against Central Florida. The sophomore tied a team record again by recording three sacks.

West now has a team-high eight sacks in six games this season. Last year, Brian Atkinson and Vinson Reynolds led the team with six sacks in 12 games.

Last year’s Huskies defense finished with 27 sacks, while this season’s squad already has 23.

Movin’ on up

For the first time this season, NIU received a vote in The Associated Press Top-25 poll. After Saturday’s win over Central Florida, the Huskies earned one point, which put them at 34th in the nation.

NIU was the only MAC team to receive a vote.

The Huskies upped their vote total in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, moving up to five points to 38th in the nation, while Bowling Green was right behind with four points.

Backfield situation

On Saturday, NIU running back A.J. Harris ran for the first time since injuring his left ankle Sept. 24 against Bowling Green.

Harris’ return has left a question as to who will start the Homecoming game against Central Michigan, but Novak is not worried.

“I’ll be honest; they’re both gonna play,” Novak said. “I think everyone around is more concerned with who’s going to start than the coaches and the players involved.”

Novak said he expects Harris to be back to 100-percent for the Homcomming game against Central Michigan.

“Both are good football players, but as far as who starts, we won’t know until game time,” Novak said.