Northern Star

 

Advertisement

 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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

NIU key player: Jasmin Hopkins

By Tony Osborne | October 19, 2011

With all of the hype surrounding the running game's recent performanc against Western Michigan, everyone knows NIU loves to run the football.

That said, the Huskies' running game will have all eyes on it against Buffalo Saturday.

NIU running back Jasmin Hopkins is comes off of a season-high three touchdown performance against the Broncos.

Through seven games, Hopkins ran for 540 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

The Bulls' defense will have to hold the Huskes' multiple threats in the backfield. NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish has the capibilit to find the quick Hopkins to find holes and lanes to run through, and even take the ball himself and do damage.

In games that the Huskies' offense dominates their opponents, it's typically because they've established the run early and often.

The spark of the running game will need to come off a big start by Hopkins against Buffalo, scoring more in the first half.

A rapid start to the running game will hinge on the success of NIU's offensive line performance.

Although, with the strength of the line and Hopkins' speed and agility, it leaves you with the feeling that the senior back could have breakout performances in the next few games.

"[Our offensive line] takes pride in that," said NIU head coach Dave Doeren. "That's as good as it gets for an offensive lineman."

Harnish delivers ‘record-breaking’ performance

By Tony Osborne | October 16, 2011

NIU (4-3, 2-1) had no trouble moving the ball on the ground at Huskie Stadium against Western Michigan (4-3, 2-1). This was never more evident than the record-breaking performance of Huskies' quarterback Chandler Harnish. Harnish ran the ball 14 times,...

LBJ in the NFL? Why the heck not

By Tony Osborne | October 14, 2011

The haters are already speculating on whether Miami Heat star LeBron James would be a good receiver in the NFL.The two-time NBA MVP tweeted to ESPN's John Clayton, "When is the deadline for a team to sign a free agent?"James, an athletic superstar, was...

Key player: Pat Schiller

By Tony Osborne | October 6, 2011

It is no secret that the NIU defense has struggled so far this season.Huskies middle linebacker Pat Schiller will be looking to dominate the Kent State offense this season, spring-boarding the defense into the second half of its season.“We each have...

Key Player: Spencer Keith

By Tony Osborne | October 6, 2011

Kent State will start junior quarterback Spencer Keith under center Saturday against NIU.The 6'3'', 215-pound quarterback has plenty of experience, starting in his freshman and sophomore seasons.The Little Rock, Ark. native has faced some tough competition...

Parent’s military background drives Womble

By Tony Osborne | October 3, 2011

After his first day of high school football practice, Jamal Womble came home with somber news. As a new resident in Sierra Vista, Ariz., with a small amount of acquaintances, Jamal had to tell his parents Buena Vista High School already had its starting...

Key player: Ryan Radcliff

By Tony Osborne | September 28, 2011

Central Michigan will start its redshirt junior quarterback Ryan Radcliff against NIU Saturday.Radcliff will need to be sharp to get through a surging and hungry Huskies defense."I know he's not off to the start he wants," said NIU head coach Dave Doeren....

Key player: NIU defensive line

By Tony Osborne | September 28, 2011

The NIU defensive line will need to have a breakout game against Central Michigan, getting back on track from the tough offensive lines it has played in the past few weeks."We just want to go out there and be better than we were last week," said NIU defensive...

NIU defense gets fired up against Cal Poly

By Tony Osborne | September 25, 2011

The NIU football team (2-2) displayed its typical offensive prowess against Cal Poly (1-3), but it was the defense that was the topic of conversation on Saturday.Although the Huskies gave up 294 total rushing yards against the Mustangs, the true colors...

Breakdown: Cal Poly’s defense

By Tony Osborne | September 21, 2011

Defensive Line: D The roller coaster of lineman size continues this week, going from a huge Wisconsin Badgers line to a small Cal Poly defensive line. With no player on the line over 270 pounds, the Mustangs could struggle to get through the offensive...

Badgers deserve to be taken seriously

By Tony Osborne | September 18, 2011

Russell Wilson showed why he and Wisconsin (3-0) deserve to be taken seriously as National Championship contenders as they routed NIU (1-2) by a score of 49-7. The senior transfer from North Carolina State ran all over NIU's defense and shined the most...

Breakdown: Wisconsin’s offense

By Tony Osborne | September 14, 2011

Through two weeks of play, Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson has taken the Big Ten by storm. The North Carolina State transfer has lead Wisconsin to a 2-0 record with his versatile play. This versatility comes into play with his ability to throw the...