If you turned to the back page looking for a preview, forget it. There will be no football this weekend in DeKalb because the Huskies have the weekend off.

Despite the fact that NIU has gotten back on the winning track with its 23-10 victory last Saturday over the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi, NIU head coach Charlie Sadler says that the break has come at a good time for his ballclub.

“It comes at the perfect time for us,” said Sadler. “We’ve got some guys banged up or out and we can work some new people in … like Alton Francis or George Anthony at tailback. We’ll work on fundamentals.”

Sadler doesn’t waste any time as the Huskies have been working all week long for their remaining five games of the season. The extra time gives the Huskies time to evaluate themselves as a team midway through their season.

“Well, what we’ve done is go back and work a little bit on fundamentals,” Sadler said. “That’s a pretty good thing to do at this midpoint of the season. I think it has been a good break for our players. Our guys will be very focused.”

The Huskies were hurting last week and are hurting again this week. Five defensive players suffered injuries in Saturday’s game against Southern Miss.

Sophomore cornerback MacArthur Griffin suffered a low back contusion. Senior outside linebacker Scott Hein has tendonitis in his left knee. Senior defensive end Mike Jordan suffered a left foot fracture which will take him out for four to six weeks. Junior defensive end Paul McAndrews has a left leg contusion. Senior free safety Tom Rhomberg has a right shoulder bruise.

On the offensive side, tailback Steve Rodgers suffered a left knee medial collateral sprain which will also take him out for four to six weeks. The 183-pound senior rushed for 44 yards against Southern Miss. Senior tailback Brett Schroeder took over the punt return duties Saturday when Rodgers came out.

Senior quarterback Rob Rugai is still hurting with a right knee sprain.

“Rob did not practice this week,” said Sadler. “He’s still a little tender. Hopefully, he’ll be back in practice next week.”

While the Huskies rest, the Flames of Liberty University play host to undefeated Troy State University tomorrow in Lynchburg, Va. The Division I-AA Flames (3-3) will travel to DeKalb next Saturday for the fourth of five Huskie home match-ups.