Skip to Main Content

Northern Star

 

Advertisement

 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Junior running back Antario Brown (1) attempts to run the ball while getting his shirt pulled by Southern Illinois senior linebacker Zach Burrola (10) during the Huskies game against Southern Illinois University on Sept. 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Takeaways from NIU football’s blowout win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 11, 2023

DeKALB – NIU football (2-4, 1-1 MAC) earned its first win since the season opener at Boston College with a 55-14 rout of the University of Akron Zips on Saturday. The Huskies offense exploded for eight touchdowns and 571 total yards.  “We’re...

From left: Graduate outside hitter Katie Erdmann, junior libero Crew Hoffmeier, junior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic, junior middle blocker Charli Atiemo, senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes and senior setter Ella Mihacevich celebrate after a rally during a MAC volleyball match between the NIU Huskies and the Miami University RedHawks on Sept. 29 at Victor E. Court. NIU is looking to build on its newfound confidence after recent wins. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Volleyball finding its groove

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | October 10, 2023

NIU volleyball is back home from its final Ohio road trip this season. With them, the Huskies brought a road conference victory and indicators of an upward trend within the program. FAST STARTS NIU took the opening set in each of its matchups with...

The Chicago Blackhawks' logo and the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo are split down the middle. Assistant Sports Editor Alex Crowe and Sports Reporter Sana Polizzi debate which of the two franchises is currently moving in a better direction. (Ria Pathak | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: Are the Leafs a better franchise than the Blackhawks?

By Sana Polizzi and Alex Crowe | October 4, 2023

THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ARE THE BETTER TEAM By: Sana Polizzi The Toronto Maple Leafs are better than the Chicago Blackhawks. During the 2022-2023 season, the Leafs were the superior team with almost twice as many wins as the Blackhawks. Toronto...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Evan Longoria hits a single during the sixth inning of a Game 1 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Guide to the 2023 MLB Playoffs

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 3, 2023

DeKALB – After six months and 162 games worth of regular season baseball, the MLB playoffs begin Tuesday. Only the top six teams from both the American League and the National League remain for their chance at history. Here is what you need to know...

Redshirt sophomore Quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open pass during Saturday's game against the University of Tulsa. Tulsa defeated the Huskies by a final score of 22-14. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: NIU football has offensive quandary

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | September 29, 2023

Amidst the roaring enthusiasm of college football, NIU's offensive performance stands as a riddle wrapped in an enigma.  With an aura of uncertainty surrounding roster management, a cloud of doubt lingering over play calling decisions and a perplexing...

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs the football while Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) attempts to tackle him on Sep. 24 in Kansas City. Sports Reporter Eddie Miller details what the Bears should do with their first round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. (Charlie Riedel | Associated Press)

COLUMN: Bears in need of answers amid horrid start

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | September 29, 2023

Starting the year 0-3, the Chicago Bears have fallen to be one of the worst – if not, the worst – teams in the NFL. Given the circumstances, it is nearly impossible for the organization to turn this season around, but there are some viable options.  Coming...

NIU junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia serves the ball during a Sept. 8 match against DePaul University during the DePaul Invitational at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Chicago. Cerniglia has nine service aces on the 2023 season, tied for second place on the Huskies. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: In defense of NIU volleyball

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | September 19, 2023

Two wins, 10 losses and rock bottom in the MAC standings. Not a great start to a season by any stretch of the imagination.  That is where the NIU volleyball team stands through 12 matches, all against non-conference competition. This column was...

Quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open receiver to pass to during a play in the second quarter of the Huskies matchup against the Rockets on Sept. 30, 2022 at Huskie Stadium. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Run game and defense issues remain

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | September 18, 2023

DeKALB – NIU football (1-2) was a step slow in all three facets of the game in its 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2) Saturday. The Huskies offense was the most glaring issue, totaling just 149 scrimmage yards. The defense...

COLUMN: Discipline, poor offense catalyze home-opening loss

COLUMN: Discipline, poor offense catalyze home-opening loss

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | September 12, 2023

After beginning the season 1-0 with a road victory over the Boston College Eagles, NIU football (1-1) came up short in its home opener, falling to the Southern Illinois University Salukis (2-0) 14-11. In order to bounce back with a win on Saturday...

Midfielder Camilo Estrada (Left) standing in the rain waiting for the to return into play during the Huskies' Oct. 12, 2022 men's soccer game against Northwestern University at the NIU soccer and track & field complex. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Huskies have leaders, offense needs spark

By Adrien De La Peña, Sports Reporter | September 12, 2023

DeKALB- NIU men’s soccer is coming off of a tough 2-1 loss to Northwestern University this past Friday. The Huskies lacked offensive opportunities against a much bigger and stronger Northwestern team. Here are a few things to look out for heading into...

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

COLUMN: Unleashing dark-horse potential of 2023 Chicago Bears

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | September 10, 2023

DeKALB – As the 2023 NFL season dawns, a story of resilience, determination and potential unfolds on the gridiron. From underdogs to dark horses, I believe the Chicago Bears are poised to defy expectations and stampede their way into the playoffs....

American tennis star Coco Gauff responds to the crowd at the U.S. Open after defeating Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko on Tuesday. Gauff is now in the semifinals of the championships and will face Karolína Muchová on Thursday. (Seth Wenig | Associated Press)

COLUMN: Gauff, Alcaraz to win US Open

By Sana Polizzi, Sports Reporter | September 7, 2023

Two former U.S. Open Champions Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz face off in the Arthur Ashe Stadium tomorrow in the semi-finals alongside Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton.  In the women’s semi-finals, Coco Gauff will be facing off against Karolína...