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,...
While the Orange Bowl match-up has been billed as David versus Goliath, as well as an explosive offensive versus a suffocating defense, there is more than meets the eye. The offense of NIU is not the only aspect that has allowed it to become the first...
Ever since the day NIU was selected to the Orange Bowl, it has been getting bashed by media pundits who say it doesn’t belong and has no chance in the game. With that said, the Florida State offense should pummel the NIU defense, right? But with this...
After sitting out the 2011 season due to personal issues, senior linebacker Tyrone Clark was back on the field for NIU football, playing as well as he did when he was a sophomore. In his return to the field, Clark recorded 82 total tackles, 48 solo tackles...
While the warm weather is providing a forced adaptation for NIU football, the team's second practice was not as hot performance-wise as its first. “It wasn’t as sharp; it was still good, don’t get me wrong,” said coach Rod Carey. “They know...
With 15 of his 16 career sacks coming in the last two seasons, senior defensive end Alan Baxter has come on strong the last two years of his career. Baxter’s efforts during the regular season schedule were good enough to lead the team in sacks and tackles...
It is no secret NIU football has thrived in the running game this season. While the offensive line and tight ends receive most of the credit for blocking in the run game, the wide receivers deserve recognition as well. The wide receiving core pride themselves...
While quarterback Jordan Lynch was the prime source of offense during the course of the regular season, expect to see an increased role in the Orange Bowl from running back Akeem Daniels. With running backs Leighton Settle and Keith Harris both ruled...
Over the course of the last five weeks, NIU football has been through a whirlwind of events. Starting with the Huskies' victory in the MAC championship at the end of November, they have since lost their head coach, found a replacement and become the first...
