The Florida State Seminoles won the opening coin toss in the Orange Bowl and chose to defer possession. The NIU Huskies went three and out on their opening possession, but got the ball back on a Nick O’Leary fumble, forced by Rashaan Melvin and recovered...
Scroll through this interactive timeline to see articles about the Huskies' run to the Orange Bowl. Click on the bubbles for more stories, or to see articles, videos and photos related to the stories. If you would rather view the news items in a list...
While former NIU head coach Dave Doeren has been gone for nearly a month, there are still many things to take away from his style of coaching. One of the biggest factors that contributed to NIU’s success and to putting a stamp on Doeren as a coach was...
While getting a BCS berth has certainly panned out to be one of the best ways to send out the winningest senior class in NIU history, it helps the returning players as well. “It sets a tone for them, it really does,” said coach Rod Carey. “It shows...
NIU football has not faced a ranked team this season. It has not faced a team that has the playmaking ability on either side of the ball like Florida State has. Defensively, this puts a lot of pressure on all the players, but especially the secondary....
For some teams, game planning for a dual-threat, mobile quarterback can be a challenge. However, this will not be the case for NIU’s defense. The Huskies’ defense will feel comfortable going up against Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel, as they...
Senior wide receiver Martel Moore has put together one of the best statistical seasons in wide receiver history at NIU. This season, Moore caught 71 passes, which is the fifth-most in a singles season, for 1,054 yards, which is fourth-most in a single...
The running back situation for NIU football has been part of an ongoing evolution all season long. With the loss of Jamal Womble, the injuries to Leighton Settle and Keith Harris Jr. and the eventual emergence of Akeem Daniels, one player has kept his...
Junior quarterback Jordan Lynch has been the face of NIU football, the MAC conference and of every mid-major Heisman hopeful all season long. Lynch came into the season as a major question mark: Could he handle the position? Could he throw effectively...
NIU football is looking to make a statement early on in its Orange Bowl tilt with Florida State. As important as a good beginning is in any game, as players admitted, a fast start in a game of this magnitude is especially important. “We have to make...
Something is going to have to give in this matchup on New Year’s Day between NIU and Florida State. The Seminoles enter this game with the No. 5 rushing defense in the nation, only surrendering 10 rushing touchdowns all season. They allow a mere 92.62...
Life at a so-called mid-major is tough. You’re often overlooked, under-appreciated, and get ditched by your head coach before a bowl game. NIU has experienced all of the above the last few years, losing two coaches in a row before its bowl game appearances,...
