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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Secondary will play large role in bowl game

By Matt Hopkinson | December 30, 2012

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....

Bowers awaits opportunity

By Matt Hopkinson | December 29, 2012

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...

NIU wants to start strong in bowl game

By Matt Hopkinson | December 29, 2012

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...

 

NIU players face pressure

By Matt Hopkinson | December 28, 2012

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,...

Florida State offense vs NIU defense will be key

By Matt Hopkinson | December 28, 2012

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...

Huskies’ second practice doesn’t go as smoothly as first

By Matt Hopkinson | December 27, 2012

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...

Baxter breaks out

Baxter breaks out

By Matt Hopkinson | December 27, 2012

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...

Running back to play increased role in Orange Bowl game

By Brian Earle | December 27, 2012

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...

Miami, baby: NIU arrives in Sunshine State for bowl game

By Matt Hopkinson | December 27, 2012

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...

Orange Bowl bringing everyone together

By Matt Hopkinson | December 9, 2012

NIU has received a lot of unwarranted bashing from multiple sources for its Orange Bowl bid. The guru’s at ESPN believe it’s a joke, not a great story and that NIU doesn’t belong in the Orange Bowl. Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron...

Men’s basketball feeds off crowd support, beats SIU-E

By Matt Hopkinson | December 5, 2012

With home crowd support rarely seen at the Convocation Center and coach Mark Montgomery’s lucky orange tie, NIU men’s basketball won its second game of the season. The Huskies (2-5) defeated the Cougars of Southern Illinois Edwardsville (2-6) by the...

Daniels an offensive powerhouse, takes pressure off Lynch in MAC title game

By Matt Hopkinson | December 3, 2012

It’s been a bittersweet weekend respite for NIU football fans. The Huskies captured their second straight MAC Championship title on Friday night with their overtime victory over Kent State. Junior quarterback Jordan Lynch broke Denard Robinson’s national...