Experienced Huskies could challenge . . . if . . .
NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES
2023 RECORD: 7-6 (5-3 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 3rd - Tie with BGSU
MRO STAFF
You can't keep a good dog down long. At least that's how Northern Illinois fans feel about their football Huskies.
After claiming a MAC title in 2021, the Huskies fell off to a 3-9 record the following season. However, they bounced back last year, winning five of their final seven regular season games to earn a bowl invite. NIU then edged Arkansas State 21-19 at the Camelllia Bowl to finish 7-6.
As for MAC play, Northern Illinois finished 2023 with a 5-3 mark, falling to eventual MAC West champ Toledo 35-33 in late September and . . .
2023 RECORD: 7-6 (5-3 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 3rd - Tie with BGSU
MRO STAFF
You can't keep a good dog down long. At least that's how Northern Illinois fans feel about their football Huskies.
After claiming a MAC title in 2021, the Huskies fell off to a 3-9 record the following season. However, they bounced back last year, winning five of their final seven regular season games to earn a bowl invite. NIU then edged Arkansas State 21-19 at the Camelllia Bowl to finish 7-6.
As for MAC play, Northern Illinois finished 2023 with a 5-3 mark, falling to eventual MAC West champ Toledo 35-33 in late September and . . .
. . . dropping matchups against Central Michigan and Ball State later in the schedule. All three MAC losses were by six points or less.
The Huskies were fourth among MAC teams in both scoring offense (24.3 ppg) and scoring defense (21.0 ppg). They acquitted themselves well and were balanced on both sides of the ball. NIU was second in total offense (369.4 ypg) and total defense (320.8 ypg).
While the preseason coaches poll picked Northern Illinois (and Bowling Green) for third, the Huskies have as many as 16 starters returning -- more than enough to challenge for one of the league's top two spots (and a spot in the title game).
The Huskies were fourth among MAC teams in both scoring offense (24.3 ppg) and scoring defense (21.0 ppg). They acquitted themselves well and were balanced on both sides of the ball. NIU was second in total offense (369.4 ypg) and total defense (320.8 ypg).
While the preseason coaches poll picked Northern Illinois (and Bowling Green) for third, the Huskies have as many as 16 starters returning -- more than enough to challenge for one of the league's top two spots (and a spot in the title game).
OFFENSE:
While the Huskies are bringing back a ton of talent, one loss stands out. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi was a fixture (when healthy) at the helm after transferring from Michigan State. He was both a capable runner and passer, who worked his way well up the NIU record books in a number of categories over three seasons.
The Huskies have their system, so any replacements would ideally fit that mold - a successful runner/passer who excels in managing the system.
Junior Ethan Hampton (57.6%) nearly matched Lombardi's completion percentage in limited action. Hampton totaled 147 passing yards on 19 attempts with two TDs and two interceptions.
Jalen Macon, a transfer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff may also be an option and displayed some of his dual threat skills in the spring.
Senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph, meanwhile, returns after leading NIU receivers with 51 catches totaling 531 yards with 2 TDs. His big play ability -- on offense and special teams -- is a key asset. Transfer Kenji Lewis (Arkansas -Pine Bluff) was a teammate of Macon and led the Golden Lions in receiving (33 catches, 429 yards).
The offensive line is loaded with four returning starters and four seniors. Running behind that unit will be Antonio Brown (5-9, 219). He averaged 8.41 ypc in MAC play and was named to the All-MAC First Team.
While the Huskies are bringing back a ton of talent, one loss stands out. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi was a fixture (when healthy) at the helm after transferring from Michigan State. He was both a capable runner and passer, who worked his way well up the NIU record books in a number of categories over three seasons.
The Huskies have their system, so any replacements would ideally fit that mold - a successful runner/passer who excels in managing the system.
Junior Ethan Hampton (57.6%) nearly matched Lombardi's completion percentage in limited action. Hampton totaled 147 passing yards on 19 attempts with two TDs and two interceptions.
Jalen Macon, a transfer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff may also be an option and displayed some of his dual threat skills in the spring.
Senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph, meanwhile, returns after leading NIU receivers with 51 catches totaling 531 yards with 2 TDs. His big play ability -- on offense and special teams -- is a key asset. Transfer Kenji Lewis (Arkansas -Pine Bluff) was a teammate of Macon and led the Golden Lions in receiving (33 catches, 429 yards).
The offensive line is loaded with four returning starters and four seniors. Running behind that unit will be Antonio Brown (5-9, 219). He averaged 8.41 ypc in MAC play and was named to the All-MAC First Team.
DEFENSE:
NIU returns eight starters from one of the MAC's better defenses, especially on the back end. The Huskies topped all MAC teams in pass defense (171.2 ypc) and were second in pass defense efficiency (116.4). Seniors Javaughn Byrd, Nate Valcarcel and Jordan Hansen return.
Defensive end Raishein Thomas, who led NIU with 74 stops, is back, along with Devonte O'Malley and Roy Williams up front. Senior liinebacker Jaden Dolphin recorded 62 tackles (2nd NIU). LB Christian Fuhrman transferred in from Southeast Missouri State, where he was third on the team with 65 stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior Kanon Woodill was perfect on 27 PATS and converted 11 of 17 field goals with a long of 49. Punter Tom Foley averaged 40.6 yards per boot in 2023. He notched eight kicks of 50 or more yards.
Rudolph gives the Huskies a persistent home run treat while receiving on special teams.
NIU returns eight starters from one of the MAC's better defenses, especially on the back end. The Huskies topped all MAC teams in pass defense (171.2 ypc) and were second in pass defense efficiency (116.4). Seniors Javaughn Byrd, Nate Valcarcel and Jordan Hansen return.
Defensive end Raishein Thomas, who led NIU with 74 stops, is back, along with Devonte O'Malley and Roy Williams up front. Senior liinebacker Jaden Dolphin recorded 62 tackles (2nd NIU). LB Christian Fuhrman transferred in from Southeast Missouri State, where he was third on the team with 65 stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior Kanon Woodill was perfect on 27 PATS and converted 11 of 17 field goals with a long of 49. Punter Tom Foley averaged 40.6 yards per boot in 2023. He notched eight kicks of 50 or more yards.
Rudolph gives the Huskies a persistent home run treat while receiving on special teams.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
>> If NIU can successfully replace Lombardi and find another hot receiving target to compliment Rudolph ... LOOK OUT!
>> At the very least, the run game should be solid, and that helps with time of possession. NIU was third in TOP last year, holding the ball for 31:34 per contest.
>> Each of the Huskies conference losses last year were one score games.
>> Head Coach Thomas Hammock has distinguished himself during his five years at the helm. He's both a product of the NIU system and a practitioner. System continuity, talent and experience should make the Huskies a serious contender to play for MAC hardware.
>> Visits to Notre Dame and North Carolina State are the tests during non-conference play. Road games at Bowling Green and Miami are among the conference challenges. Toledo is also on the schedule, but the Rockets must come to DeKalb.
>> If NIU can successfully replace Lombardi and find another hot receiving target to compliment Rudolph ... LOOK OUT!
>> At the very least, the run game should be solid, and that helps with time of possession. NIU was third in TOP last year, holding the ball for 31:34 per contest.
>> Each of the Huskies conference losses last year were one score games.
>> Head Coach Thomas Hammock has distinguished himself during his five years at the helm. He's both a product of the NIU system and a practitioner. System continuity, talent and experience should make the Huskies a serious contender to play for MAC hardware.
>> Visits to Notre Dame and North Carolina State are the tests during non-conference play. Road games at Bowling Green and Miami are among the conference challenges. Toledo is also on the schedule, but the Rockets must come to DeKalb.
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