Despite published reports, NIU’s football team has not finalized a deal to play Ohio State in 2006.

The deal, however, is not out of question but likely would not happen in 2006 – as was reported – if it did occur, NIU associate athletics director Robert Collins said.

“I don’t have anything on the dotted line,” Collins said.

In the 2003 NIU football media guide, Louisiana State University is listed as a tentative opponent in 2006. Collins said that NIU would not play LSU and Ohio State in the same year.

Both games, if played, would be on the road for the Huskies, which would generate $500,000 to $1 million for NIU from the opposing school, Collins said.

Tearing down the house

The north end zone bleachers at Huskie Stadium have been torn up to make room for portable, fold-up trucks for tailgating and watching games. They likely will be available for use to large groups beginning after the Sept. 11 Southern Illinois game, Collins said.

“It is like a truck, and you open it up and people can tailgate on it,” Collins said. “We are going to purchase two of those, and they will drive up to where the bleachers were. We will use them for certain games after Southern.”

Possible return home

Among the Huskies at NFL training camps are two with the San Francisco 49ers.

Cornerback Randee Drew and wide receiver P.J. Fleck, both 2004 NIU graduates, are competing for roster spots with the 49ers.

If they can stick with the team until Aug. 21, they will return to Illinois to face the Chicago Bears in a preseason game at Soldier Field.

Burning his Hancock

On July 28, former NIU running back Michael Turner signed a standard three-year rookie contract with the San Diego Chargers.

The 22nd pick in the fifth round of this season’s NFL draft, Turner was the 29th Huskie chosen since 1952.

Turner finished the past two seasons second in the nation in rushing and ended his career 13th on the all-time NCAA Division I-A rushing list (4,941 yards).

He is expected to back up the Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson, who rushed for 1,645 yards (313 carries) and 13 touchdowns last season.