Red and Black Attack

WE'VE MOVED!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:34:00 +0000

PLEASE VISIT THE NEW HOME OF HUSKIE BLOGGING:

WWW.REDANDBLACKATTACK.COM

WE'RE MOVIN' ON UP

Homecoming all about the fans

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:59:00 +0000

This homecoming week should be one for the ages.

Many call the NIU-Toledo matchup this weekend a one-sided rivalry. The situation is that NIU hates Toledo's guts, but they really could care less about beating us. Northern Star's Jerry Burnes is misinformed in saying

"NIU and Toledo are two of the conference’s premier programs historically, and in my opinion the biggest rivalry in the conference."

The CMU vs WMU rivalry is better. As is Toledo vs BGSU and Kent vs Akron. We'll have to start beating Toledo game-in and game-out to eventually consider this a two-sided rivalry.

Why do we hate the Toledo Rockets? Maybe its the fact that we've only been able to beat them one time (2005) since 1990. Toledo HC Tom Amstutz completely owned Joe Novak during his tenure here at NIU from 1996-2007. Both Toledo and NIU have been top dogs in the MAC for the last few years.

Games against the Rockets have screwed NIU out of MAC Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, Garrett Wolfe and the Huskies finally managed to pull it out against the vaunted Rockets in Toledo. The "Fog Game" in 2006 we should have won, but there were some disputed coaching calls and a lack of getting Wolfe the ball. NIU hit rock bottom in their 2-7 2007 season, losing 70-21 in Toledo

However this is a new era in NIU Football with a new HC in Jerry Kill, which hopefully bring a new result to this one-sided history of matchups against the Rockets.

The Crowd Factor

If we want to win this game, we need the crowd to be intense and everybody needs to stay the entire game. Last week had a disappointing amount of fans (17,444), but Homecoming always seems to bring a huge crowd to the game. Our crowd really needs to step it up:

"[Coach Kill] challenged us about the towels but the towels didn’t really get it," said Farlow in respect to getting the crowd pumped. "So I decided to grab a white board and put ‘Get louder’ on it. And then John [Hopkins] helped me out by making another sign that said ‘Get up and get loud.’"

"Our crowd today was probably, not probably, was the difference in the game," Kill said. "I guarantee, if it would have been quite in that stadium [Miami] would have drove down and score."

Here's the video of Coach Kill thanking the fans that stayed and cheered:

Tuesday brought another article in the NStar urging fans to come to the HC game. I hope this sort of tactic works for Saturday because everybody on campus reads the school paper while passing time in class and such:

"It’s a lot easier to play on defense when your crowd is loud and getting into it," said NIU wide receiver Nathan Palmer after the game. "The fans’ energy is what really helped us."

"[The crowd] being loud at the end really helped our defense...they played with a lot more energy at the end," Palmer said.

"The fans were kind of making us mad at first," said NIU defensive lineman John Hopkins. "They weren’t getting up and they were dead."

"Come out to the game ready to cheer loud," Palmer said. "Lose your voice if you have to."

Also, Thunderstix will be back for this game, which is a huge plus and a tradition brought back to Huskie Stadium.

NIU finally grabs a close W

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:24:00 +0000

After losing 3 games so far this season by 4 points or less, the Huskies finally pick up that close win that they have been looking for beating the Redhawks 17-14.

Watching Miami in the last part of the game, I was sure we were about to find yet another way to lose a close game. Luckily, our defense is extremely solid this year, proving their worth in the last few games. Here are NIU's current national rankings:

#19 in Total Defense
#15 in Scoring Defense

In fact, our defense has given up only 1 offensive TD in the last 4 games (Tennessee).

CB Melvin Rice was a beast in the secondary, breaking up 2 passes while making 7 tackles. OLB Alex Kube finally had a good game making 5 tackles and an essential TFL. OLB Josh Allen got all the press for helping knock down the final pass by the Miami Redhawks.

QB DeMarcus Grady went down late in the 1st half with a minor ankle injury. I'm sure we were all surprised to see Chandler Harnish run out there to play the QB position. It seems like all our QBs go down at the same time during the game. Maybe they should just stop playing towards the end of the 2nd quarter.

Harnish surprised everybody by not only making plays with his arm, but his feet as well. He really has some guts and may have the poise to lead this team the next 3 years.

RB Me'co Brown was the unsung hero in the backfield rushing for 123 yds on only 16 carries. Chad Spann was a red-zone demon, forcing his way in to the end-zone in the 3rd quarter for the Huskies to go up 17-13.

WR Marcus Perez recovered from his eye injury nicely, catching 4 passes for 76 yds. 6'3" SO Landon Cox had a nice TD catch in the corner of the end-zone in the start of the 2nd quarter. He could be a red-zone threat for years.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Here's where it gets interesting.

First of all, we would have won this game by a much wider margin if K Mike Salerno would have made his FGs from 30 or 48 yds. He did, however, make a 38-yarder in the 1st quarter.

On the 48-yarder, the LS Nolan Owen recorded a false start which moved us back an extra 4 yds. Salerno had the length, but missed it wide-right. You can either place blame on Salerno or the offense for stalling and not punching it in to the end-zone.

That isn't all of the special teams blunders. In the weirdest play of the game, P Andy Dittbenner punts a "rugby" style punt right to Eugene Harris who in return ran right to the end-zone.

“Bad coaching on my part,” Kill said. “I’ve got to do a better job. Should have probably done something different. Instead of rugby punting it we should have gone the other way with it. That’s on me, not on the kid (Dittbenner).”

Overall, this was an excellent win that was an absolute necessity at this point in the season. Hopefully we can correct whatever mistakes that need to be corrected for next weeks homecoming showdown against the Toledo Rockets.

All about the quarterbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:30:00 +0000

We aren't the only team that has a revolving door at the QB position.

The Miami Redhawks HC Shane Montgomery wasn't happy with the performance of his incumbent starter in JR QB Daniel Raudabaugh in the first half of last Saturday's game against Temple. During halftime, the coach pulled the plug on DR and put in the lefty rFR Clay Belton. He didn't necessarily play better, going 14 of 22 for 147 yds and an INT.

However, it provides NIU something to watch out for at home Satuday. If Belton gets consistent playing time and performs well, we had better watch out. I just feel like the supporting cast around him really isn't helping either of these players out so far this season.

Who does Coach Kill fear from this Miami OH team?

Their punter.

"Field position. They have a great punter. Not a good punter, a great punter. He can kick it 60 yards with a 4.4 sec. hang time. He's a big time punter. He controls field position."

Jacob Richardson leads the country with 48.08 average yards per punt. Our guy Andy Dittbenner isn't too shabby averaging 41.61 ypp, ranking #36 in the nation and #2 in the MAC.

Statistics

During this century, we are 3-0 against the Miami Redhawks winning in Oxford in 2002 and 2006. We won the last matchup in Dekalb 38-27 in 2005.

Miami may have the #2 total defense next to us, averaging 331.20 ypg, but are #9 in scoring defense allowing 30 ppg! This indicates that Miami just can't stop the big play so far this season, whether its on special teams or offense.

Miami ranks in the lower end of the MAC in the following categories:

Rushing offense (#13)
Total offense (#12)
Scoring offense (#13)
Pass efficiency defense (#12)
Turnover margin (#11)
Passing efficiency (#13)
Sacks allowed (#10)

Injury Updates (Chronicle)

-Mike Sobol is listed as the starting SS for Saturday's game despite a concussion against Tennessee. May see limited playing time.

-WR Marcus Perez is ready to go after sustaining an eye injury vs Tennessee

-QB Dan Nicholson re-injured his non-throwing shoulder vs Tennessee on a hard hit. He initially hurt his shoulder @ the WMU game. He is unlikely to see much time on the practice field at all this week and is doubtful against Miami OH.

-QB Chandler Harnish started jogging this week and may participate in some drills. He is an emergency option for Saturday. I predict he will be able to go against rival Toledo for our must-win homecoming game.

Playing cards without a full deck

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:29:00 +0000

A 9-13 loss. Another close one gets away.

Just 4 points away from a "lowly" MAC team upsetting a perennial SEC power in the Tennessee Volunteers.

Just as we barely lost to WMU 26-29 after starting QB Chandler Harnish went down, our starting QB in Knoxville went down just before the end of the first half injuring his non-throwing shoulder.

The senior QB Dan Nicholson took a beating in this game, leaving a gaping hole open at the position. To fill this position was redshirt freshman DeMarcus Grady. Grady all season has been our "mobile" QB filling in nice in goalline situations. This time he was thrown to the wolves against one of the best defenses statistically and athletically in the country.

We had lost so much experience with Danny N going down in the first half. The game was tied and this was a defensive struggle. DeMarcus Grady probably doesn't have the entire playbook in his arsenal at this point. 4 for 10 passing for 39 yds. 35 of those yards were on one deep play to another RS freshman Willie Clark on the sidelines. He made some impact on the ground rushing for 52 yds on 15 carries.

The problem was that Grady just isn't ready to play against an SEC with his lack of his experience. The consensus was that we should have passed more and been less conservative. More chances should have been taken down the field. There was one overthrown pass to Nate Palmer, but there should have been more of those kind of passes.

The running game wasn't effective, but who has been against one of the best defenses in the country. Justin Anderson instead of Me'co Brown should have been running inside because of his bigger, bruising body.

The defense stepped up against an inept Vols offense. Both DE Larry English and DB Mel Rice forced fumbles. English also managed to sack the QB 2.5 times and acheive MAC West Defensive player of the week.

#25 DB Tracey Wilson was getting run over during Tennessee's outside running game late. I think he was playing nickel DB or helping out replacing the SS Sobol as he went out with a concussion. I hope the young redshirt freshman can put on some more muscle or improve his tackling technique as his career goes on.

Special teams was decent with Mike Salerno going 3 for 4 on FGs. #33 DB Patrick George managed to block a punt on special teams, our 3rd of the season.

INJURY REPORT

Players that didn't play:

WR Matt Simon (Heel)
RB Montell Clanton (Ankle)
QB Chandler Harnish (Ankle)

Players hurt in this game:

SS Mike Sobol (Concussion)
WR Marcus Perez (Concussion?)
QB Dan Nicholson (Non-throwing shoulder)

The only Tenn I see

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:45:00 +0000

4 games in, this Northern Huskies team is still a mystery to me.

I do know one thing though: Our team has talent.

QB: One QB (Harnish) goes down with a serious ankle injury, as a veteran (Nicholson) and a mobile young gun (Grady) step in and perform at a premium.

The question: Can Danny N stay healthy and can DeMarcus Grady continue to figure out to make reads playing Division I football?

RB: 5 guys rotate, with a true freshman (Me'co Brown) getting the bulk of the carries. The 1,000 yard rusher from last year (Justin Anderson) was the 5th tailback to enter the game last Saturday.

The question: Will Me'co Brown be ready to play Saturday after sustaining a minor foot injury against the EMU Eagles?

WR: Gone is the much-scruitinized WR Britt Davis from the top of the depth chart after not making the trip to WMU. Consistent veterans Matt Simon and Greg Turner lead the way with this unit. Redshirt freshman Nate Palmer has had a hot start to his career.

The question: Will Matt Simon be ready to play Saturday with his injured foot? Will NatePalm add some consistency to his fledgling game? Will Britt Davis make any impact this season?

O-Line: The O-Line hasn't looked tremendous until our last game against EMU. It seems to me that the production increased tremendously by putting Jason Onyebuagu in at LG coming back from his injury.

The question: Can rFR Trevor Olson continue his success at LT? Can Onyebuagu continue to stay healthy and be the driving force at LG?

Defense: After 2 tough games starting off the season, our young D has looked tremendous in the last 2 games allowing only 3 points.

The question: Were the last 2 games just blips on the radar? Is our defense actually the best in the MAC or have we just played bad teams? Can Alex Kube step up at OLB?

Personally, I can't answer these questions, because they are such big mysteries. As I hope for the best, a lot will come through the wash against a decent SEC team in the Tennessee Volunteers.

Across the board, the Vols have more talent than us all around. Except our punter Andy Dittbenner is 10-fold better than whatever Tenn has been throwing out there the last few games. He was fortunate to acheive the MAC ST player of the week for his performance against EMU.

Oh, and Tennessee isn't even set that much on a starting QB at the moment as well.

Also, here's the injury report per Huskie Wire:

RB Me'co Brown - Probable (Foot)

MLB T.J. Griffin - Probable (Foot)

RB Montell Clanton - Probable (Ankle)

WR Matt Simon - Questionable (Heel)

QB Chandler Harnish - Out (Ankle)

NIU @ EMU Live Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:40:00 +0000

HERE WE GO HUSKIES HERE WE GO!!!

Pregame

-I don't see why EMU picked us as their homecoming game. But then again I don't see a team that they can beat in the MAC West. And we only won 2 games last year.

-EMU Cheerleaders - Not looking so hot

-EMU Linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw seems like he has been playing at EMU forever

-Hyping up Dan Nicholson? Hope he lives up to the hype

1st Quarter

-Huge boot by Mike Salerno out of the end-zone

-Man, there is nobody in these stands

-HUGE INT for Bradley "Playmaker" Pruitt. 2nd week in a row he's grabbed one.

-Montell Clanton gets the start today at TB

-Wow that was the worst Onyebuagu pronunciation I've ever heard. Did these announcers read the media guide?

-Run for no gain, bad rollout by Danny, bad screen to Greg Turner. Missed field goal. What a wasted opportunity. Hopefully this will not come back to bite us later in the game.

12:08

-We can't keep giving up so many yards from the QB rushing the ball. The EMU QB McMahon apparently has a hurt shoulder. A good opportunity for us, but I hope he's OK. Former starter Andy Schmitt goes in for the eagles.

-ANOTHER great play by Bradley Pruitt. He really is making the most out of his time at CB.

-LB blitz by Josh Allen forces Schmitt to throw the ball away on a 3rd and 10.

8:17

-Me'co Brown gets the next series and starts off strong with a nice carry

-I guess WR Matt Simon isn't playing today for some reason (Injured foot). What is going on with our WRs?

-Danny N almost throw up a pick and play is reversed to an incomplete pass

-Greg Turner is getting the bulk of the receptions today with the absence of Simon at WR

-It seems like Me'co Brown is just one broken tackle away from a TD on every play.

2:49

-Me'co Brown TD UNTOUCHED!!! 7-0. Great blocks by RG Dan Keller and RT Jon Brost.

-Salerno is kicking the crap out of the ball through the endzone

-Schmitt throws a pick right to LB McCarthy. Kyle Orton style.

-DeMarcus Grady does what he does best: Run the ball FOR A TD!!! 14-0

-EMU QB McMahon is in a sling now

2nd Quarter

-I'm NEVER having Burritoville again in my life

-Josh Allen with a huge play in the backfield. He is having a great game. Interesting note is that the announcer said that Kill announced at some point that he was hi most omplete linebacker.

-Mike Krause LAYED THE WOOD on a WR. WOW

-EMU doesn't convert the 4th and 3. Larry English is causing havoc.

10:22

-Montell Clanton with another run. Our RBs aren't getting touched on these big plays. Good play by a healthy? Jason Onyebuagu.

-We just had 2 fullbacks blocking for Me'co. Couldn't get it in though.

-Nice little reverse by Marcus Perez for a TD! 21-0

-Freshman DT Adam Coleman with a nice tackle

-Our defense looks awesome in this gmae for how long they've been out there. Unlike last year, our secondary is actually covering people.

-EMU just misses a FG. Let's hope for a shutout.

HALFTIME 21-0

-Me'co Brown is looking like the "special" back that Jerry Kill is looking for in this offense and getting the bulk of the carries.

-Haven't seen much of Britt Davis, who must be officially in Coach Kill's (or PJ Fleck's) doghouse

-TE Reed Cunningham is performing consistently, which is key for this team to perform. A decent TE is something we lacked completely last year.

-All of our running backs are productive. Brown, Clanton, Spann. All having good games.

-This is too easy. FB Kyle Skarb with his first career TD catch. 28-0 Huskies.

-McCarthy with a TEXTBOOK tackle

-I'm starting to think how this game would turn out if EMU's starting QB McMahon didn't get knocked out of the game. It would have changed the whole pace of the game with the offense being more successful and giving EMU more of a breather on defense. This game is nice for our offense, but overall I would say this may turn out to be an inconclusive victory.

-P Andy Dittbenner is locating inside the 20 a ton

4th Quarter (Huskie B Team)

-Me'co Brown goes down with a leg injury. I hope its not serious and that he can return. He really is the star of the game.

-We are SWARMING on defense. Even now.

-LB Tim McCarthy is having a banner game.

-QB DeMarcus Grady still perfect passing for the season.

-Justin Anderson in garbage time? Crazy. We have 5 capable running backs.

-The ice on Me'co Brown is on his lower foot area. It can't be that bad since he is still out there on the sidelines. He is limping off the field after the game unassisted, so I am confidence in his return this season.

-Safety by DJ Pirkle. He's having a great game.

37-0 W

The Sycamore Stomp

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:31:00 +0000

You all saw the massacre that was the 48-3 beatdown of the Indiana State Sycamores of Terre Haute, IN. You have to be careful with what you take away from this game because of how bad ISU is as a team.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Turnovers

We would have even won by a larger margin if it weren't for fumbles by both freshman Me'co Brown on a punt return and DeMarcus Grady in a 1st and goal situation. The Brown fumble was going to happen one of these days due to his lack of experience. Good thing we were up 31-0 at the time.

However, our defense did a tremendous job forcing 3 picks and a fumble Saturday for the Huskies. Usually our defense hardly ever causes turnovers, even against bad I-AA/FCS teams.

Due to all the turnovers, we were able to control the ball and move on the ground all game and gain 285 yds rushing by 6 different players.

QB DeMarcus Grady completed his first pass ever for a TD. I guess if he can get the yards on the ground, is there any need for him to throw the ball? The answer obviously is yes, eventually he will have to pass at a minimum, but he is performing well for right now.

FILM ROOM

Watching the the game and the highlights MadDawgz put up, I came to these conclusions:

Neither LG Kevin Skatrud or RG Dan Keller looked great at all watching video. Jason Onyebuagu can't be 100% healthy. I think we may need some more athletic guards on our roster to have a much more efficient running game. LT Trevor Olson rebounded with a great game Satuday.

MLB TJ Griffin made the most of his split time with Tim McCarthy and made some superior plays. McCarthy was awesome as well. It's excellent to see his intensity back with the team as a senior leader. He's been through so much turmoil throughout his career I can't see what he does this season in his 5th year.

CB Bradley Pruitt jumped on that interception by a mile. It wasn't even close. Kyle Orton-esque play by ISU.

DBs Patrick George and David Bryant DESTROYED that one guy in the 2nd quarter, which was an awesome highlight hit. Possible YouTube upload?

Bryant also did a good job punching the ball out of the ISU QB's hand in the 3rd quarter, as Sobol picked it up. George made a nice play on the lobbed pass the ISU QB threw up in the 3rd as well.

Right now it's important to build off this victory and focus on next week's conference matchup with EMU on the road.

Soccer Update/ISU Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:41:00 +0000

In case you haven't checked out either our soccer teams, GO!

BOTH TEAMS ARE UNDEFEATED SO FAR!!!

The men's team is 5-0-2 (I hate ties) and are fresh off of an upset of #2 SMU today in OT. What a HUGE win for our program.

The next chance you have to catch the men's team at home is next Friday the 26th at home against Florida Atlantic. Conference play starts off with a bang a week after that on Saturday, October 4th against MAC rival Akron.

The women's team is 4-0-3 and start conference play next Friday as well @ 4 PM against Bowling Green.

I feel bad I haven't made a trip out to see the new Track/Soccer Field Complex and really want to check it out next Friday and watch both teams play throughout the day.

In basketball news, Chauncey Billups hooped it up with the Huskies the other day.

What to expect tomorrow

It's been too long since a home game for the NIU Huskies. We really need to get that winning taste back in our mouths. Indiana State is definitely a team that you can work on things against, as indicated from their record from 2005 to now. The game has been added to ESPN Gameplan, so fans across the country can check out the Huskies play on Comcast.

All signs point to QB Dan Nicholson starting the game tomorrow, as redshirt freshman DeMarcus Grady can shift in and play in certain situations. Can DeMarcus throw the ball?

"His strength is his athleticism, his weakness is experience," Kill said. "But he can throw the ball."

"I didn't throw a lot in high school but when I did, I was effective," he said.

He credits quarterbacks coach Pat Poore with helping him improve his footwork and throwing mechanics and Nicholson with helping him learn to read defenses better.

"Last year on the scout team I didn't have to read the defense," he said. "That's what this system is all about."

He was glad he didn't have to think about his debut.

"It was a blessing to me (getting thrown into the mix unexpectedly at Western Michigan)," he said.

With more reps in the last two weeks, he's beginning to feel much more comfortable.

"I like this coaching staff because they're teaching me to play the position the right way." NIU Update

Indiana State is having a QB rotation as well, but ours is more effective:

"The thing that's really amazed me and is we're probably the only team in the country to go through three quarterbacks in two weeks and we still moved the ball,' said Kill, who credits all the work all the signal callers got this fall with a new coaching staff continuing to install a new system.

Also, P Andy Dittbenner's excellent punting is getting noticed, as he has been added to the Ray Guy award watch list.

Neutral Site Games: The Other Side

noreply@blogger.com (Nick) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:45:00 +0000

September 1st 2007, the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in the first FCS game played at Soldier Field in over a decade. Soldier Field is sold out months in advance in anticipation of the contest. Huskie and Hawkeye fans alike see the game as a great opportunity for both schools to play in a NFL stadium, on Lake Michigan, on Labor Day weekend. Both schools have activities planned throughout the city including Iowa Day at Wrigley Field. The Hawkeyes win a defensive game 16-3, but both teams go onto have sub-par 2007 seasons.

Fast forward fifty-four weeks later, and you find a fan base up in arms over the seemingly forgone conclusion of playing Wisconsin in 2008 at the same venue. After seeing BCS opponents Wake Forest, Maryland, and Iowa State come to DeKalb in a two year span, a BCS team has not traveled to Huskie Stadium in five years. Instead, NIU has played home out of conference games against Southern Illinois (twice), Tennessee Tech, Temple (at the time), Indiana State (twice), and finally Navy this season. They want to see better opponents, and nobody can blame them for that.

According to a UW official, the likely scenario appears to be a game at Soldier Field against Northern Illinois. The Huskies are scheduled to play host to UW on Oct. 24 next season in DeKalb, Ill., though that appears likely to change in the wake of the talks between the schools. “They’re driving it but we’re excited about it,” the UW official said of facing the Huskies at Soldier Field. “We have a big fan base down there and it is a pro venue.

However those who do not see the good reason to play this game at Soldier Field are truly being selfish. Yes, we as fans have to make sacrifices and pay more then we would if the game was at with Huskie Stadium, but to a mid major school with a small football budget, the money that NIU will receive for this game is too good to pass up. Fans can concoct ways to make more money by having the game in DeKalb by charging a premium for the Wisconsin game and making students pay for tickets, but in the end you alienate your fan base as much as you do by having the game at Soldier Field. The athletic department is run by people who are better at their job than people on a message board, and fans need to have faith in them. Northern made between a million and a million and a half dollars playing at Soldier Field and with a program that is desperately in need of an indoor practice facility and a new press box, the money is too much to pass up.

I think that it's a great idea to be able to play at Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears. More importantly, having a game at a professional stadium will give us more well-needed publicity and also will help greatly with our recruiting.-Britt Davis

In the end, we as fans make think it is all about them, but really it is about the student-athletes who leave everything out on the field every Saturday. To play in a professional venue is a special opportunity that most collegiate do not get the chance to do. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their skills on the biggest stage, against a BCS opponent. Good for them, and good for NIU.

Northern Star Commentary Rebuttle

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:06:00 +0000

I saw an article in the Northern Star yesterday that I didn't like the looks of at all.

Jerry Burns points out in his Tuesday piece that he believes that a playoff system would benefit the MAC and smaller schools as a whole.

The first problem I have is that he starts off the article exclaiming "As an Ohio State fan..." You have got to be kidding me. How are you going to root the most for a school you don't even go to? I could understand if you went to an Ohio MAC school, but you are way west of that area. He says he has little to complain about the system that put OSU in the title game, which shows major bias starting off.

He goes on to say, "A playoff system would greatly improve the quality of play when the BCS giants face the mid-major teams, or “cupcakes.” Instead of assuming a win and moving on, the giants would actually have to play with heart and a desire to win."

I don't know exactly how this playoff system would improve the quality of play over the current bowl system really, which is meant to give each team a strong challenge. The last part doesn't even make any sense. When does a team assume a win and move on, without playing with a desire to win? I'm befuddled.

Already this season, we have seen evidence that the MAC can compete with BCS-level opponents. In week one of the season Bowling Green unseated No. 24 Pittsburgh, and just last week Ohio University was one-half away from upsetting No. 3 Ohio State.

Ohio State was ranked #3 at the time, but not after last weekend's huge loss to USC, 35-3, showing that the Buckeyes aren't as good as advertised. He should really keep up with the rankings of his favorite team! Nary does he mention that Pittsburgh gave away the game to BGSU turning the ball over 4 times and the fact that the Falcons got destroyed this past weekend by Minnesota at home and by Boise St on the road.

I have trouble believing that these ranked teams were playing with 100 percent focus on their opponent.

You're disowning your own reasoning.

One little known fact – Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour rushed and passed for more yards than Heisman winner Tim Tebow last season, with only nine fewer touchdowns.

LeFevour's accomplishments have been thouroughly noticed throughout the media, as he also has a huge billboard of him outside Comerica Park in Detroit.

Because CMU and the MAC don’t factor into the BCS, despite facing Kansas and Clemson in 2007, LeFevour did not garner any Heisman talk.

That's because CMU got DESTROYED by both of those teams.

It’s my strong belief that MAC players would get more respect from the media if they were to factor in the BCS and the national championship, just like Colt Brennan, who faced lesser opponents than LeFevour last season.

Colt Brennan and other MAC stars would have to play teams like Georgia in the 1st round of the playoffs, whose players have so much more talent it would be next to impossible to win even one game in this playoff format.

Just remember how much the media and fans loved it when Boise State beat Oklahoma.

That was a completely different situation, wherein Boise St actually had the better team that season. They went undefeated, making it to the BCS as a mid-major. The bowl system should stay, as it is manageable still to make the BCS currently as a smaller school who goes undefeated and deserves to be in the mix for the National Championship.

Grady, Morris Getting Reps

noreply@blogger.com (Nick) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:39:00 +0000

Following the opening game lost to Minnesota, Jerry Kill was quoted as saying he expects to use all of his quaterbacks this season, little did we know how right he would end up being. Just two games later, Kill has used three quaterbacks and is preparing his fourth for game action. With Chandler Harnish out indefinitely due to a sprained foot and Dan Nicholson nursing a sore arm stemming from offseason surgery, DeMarcus Grady and Ryan Morris are taking all of the reps at quaterback leading up to Saturday's bout vs. Indiana State.

Dan’s shoulder is still bothering him quite a bit; we’re just going to have to wait and see. We’re hoping to know more on Tuesday. He hasn’t practiced a whole lot in the last week. We’ve been working with DeMarcus (Grady) and Ryan Morris at that spot right now. That’s kind of where we are. We hope Dan will be ready to play, but we'll know more on Tuesday.

Grady saw time at Western Michigan, but did not attempt a pass. He carried the ball seven times for forty-three yards and a touchdown, however. Morris has yet to see playing time this season, but appeared in eight games last season including three starts. Kill could start either Grady or Morris, but also has the option of using Grady for running plays like he did versus Western Michigan a week ago. If Nicholson is cleared ready for game action, he is the most likely candidate to start.

The Huskies (0-2) open their home slate against FCS opponent Indiana State (0-2) on Saturday.

Finally recovered from last weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:44:00 +0000

First off:

I'm looking for writers to fill in when I'm extremely swamped with school work and whatever else.

Secondly:

From the Kalamazoo bars to late night pizza to not being able to find the mass of Huskies at the tailgate, this past weekend was an interesting one to say the least. My favorite pre-game moment was walking through the massive student tailgating section, getting booed and having beer cans thrown at the small gathering of Huskie fans with me.

This game was strange. It was kind of like bizarro world with what happened in K-Zoo.

The main thing about this game was that rFR QB Chandler Harnish went down with a sprained ankle in the 1st part of the 1st quarter of the game. This was disappointing because he showed so much promise during the game @ Minnesota. WR Britt Davis didn't even make the trip to Kalamazoo because of "health issues". Right there 2 of your best offensive weapons are taken away from you.

At RB, Me'co Brown got most of the carries. Why? Because he's quicker and can peform better out of the shotgun formation, per OC Limegrover. I guess that is mostly what we were going to use against the Broncos. Still would like to see one back being used over and over so he can gain some consistency and yardage.

Both SR Dan Nicholson and rFR DeMarcus Grady got turns at QB, with Grady running every time. Grady really needs to learn how to throw if he wants an extended stay at the position. ESPN's Graham Watson made the Overstatement of the day, assuming facts before anything is reported.

Dan N's shoulder is not going to hold up all season, so we may consider burning the redshirt off of Brandon Rogers and letting him get some playing time throwing the ball around.

An old-school connection between Nicholson and Marcus Perez was made, with MPZ getting 6 catches for 77 yds. Nate Palm continues to impress catching 4 passes for 78 yds.

LT Trevor Olson had some trouble keeping the defensive tackles out of the backfield, as our QBs were sacked 4 times.

DE Larry English will be playing with a club against Indiana State because of a broken thumb injury, which required surgery. Overall the defense wasn't that great while struggling with run defense and not sacking Tim Hiller once in this game.

Overall, starting your second road game in a row, in-conference, with a rotating door at QB, with one of your best WRs not making the trip, with a new coach, with an inconsistent running game, with a freshman at LT is not going to be a good situation.

31-27 and 29-26. 2 close losses to some tough teams. Minnesota blew out BGSU who just upset Pitt, while WMU is the class of the MAC West.

This is a great time for a bye week and an FCS team to play. Let this team develop and get their things together before the bulk of conference play up ahead.

Now...what exactly am I going to do this weekend?

Keys to beating the Broncos

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Before the season, the majority of people I had talked to pretty much wrote this game off as a loss. Everybody figured that OK we might slip past Minnesota, but playing away at Kalamazoo against one of the top MAC teams would be a hard thing to do.

Most of this perception changed during our road opender @ Minnesota. The game really was all over the place. Our offense looked like world-beaters at times, yet there was a lot of inconsistency. Same thing goes for the defensive side of the ball and on special teams.

An early conference opener means so much to each of these teams. An early win in the stacked MAC West Conference could do wonders for the self-confidence of your team.

Key #1 - Put pressure on QB Tim Hiller and force him to make mistakes

Although we may not have a defensive line as good as Nebraska's, we can use the same game plan against the WMU Broncos this week. Due to the fact that the running game was ineffective, all of the pressure was put on Hiller to make plays. He did a pretty good job going 30 of 49 for 342 yds and 2 TDs plus an INT.

If I were Tim Hiller, I would be having nightmares of Larry English leading up to this game. WMU's offensive line is one of the worst in the MAC and are going to have their hands full keeping our defensive linemen out of their backfield. Last week the Huskers had 4 sacks against Hiller. All of this helps our defensive backfield make plays and cause turnovers.

Key #2 - Establish a strong running game

WMU's secondary is far and away the best in the MAC, so the only way our offense is going to get going is by running the ball up the gut several times. WMU's d-line has talent, but are undersized and I'm confident that our o-line will be able to handle them better than the big Minnesota boys. We can use this to our advantage lulling their secondary asleep and throwing some play-action plays in there.

Key #3 - Continue improving on special teams

Our kicking game is (thankfully) situated with Salerno kicking bombs of 39 and 49 yards. We also had a blocked punt which was nice. Now back to the basics: Kickoff Coverage. The KO team was so horrendous last week and you cannot give an opposing team that much field position to start off offensive drives. Another thing we need to work on is getting better return yards from Me'Co Brown and whoever else is going to be back there on kick returns.

Key #4 - Cover TE Branden Ledbetter

Our Defense was lacking in our last game covering the TE's. Either our LB's or our Safeties weren't doing their job on coverage. Hopefully the kinks have been worked out with our defense and we can complete these tasks now. Ledbetter performed against the Big Red, catching 9 passes for 123 yds and a TD.

So there you have it. If we accomplish these few things, this game is ours.

Huskies 24, Broncos 18

Tomorrow's MAC Headlines Today

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Navy @ Ball St (-7)
THURS 6:00 PM, ESPN (HD)

Ball St tops Navy in high scoring affair

Even though Ball St and Nate Davis like to pass, they must control the ball on the ground rushing MiQuale Lewis if they want to win this game at home. Ball St 48-Navy 38.

Miami OH @ Michigan (-14.5)
11:00 AM, (ESPN or ESPN2) (HD)

Michigan manages to squeak by in their 2nd game with a win over Miami OH

Both of these teams weren't expected to lose their first games and will be butting heads. I still don't have any confidence in what the Wolverines are trying to do this year, but I think that Miami OH can bounce back the furthest from their 1st week disappointment against Vanderbilt. Michigan 21-14.

Connecticut @ Temple (+7)
11:00 AM, ESPNU (HD)

Temple finally gets their revenge against UConn

Last year was an absolute travesty with Temple getting screwed out of a TD at the end of the game at UConn's place. I can't comprehend why Temple isn't favored in this game after blowing out Army last weekend. I don't think people understand how long Temple has been waiting to play the Huskies again, as they return pretty much everybody from that game the year before. Chalk up a win for the Owls, 28-13.

Ohio @ Ohio St (-34)
11:00 AM, (ESPN or ESPN2) (HD)

Without Wells, Buckeyes still manage to blow out Bobcats

Ohio just doesn't have the weapons to stay with the Buckeyes at all. Especially with no McRae on offense. No need for Beanie in this blowout in the making. 48-7.

Eastern Michigan @ Michigan St (-21)
11:00 AM, BTN (HD)

Spartans too much for in-state Eastern Michigan Eagles

MSU barely lost to the Cal Golden Bears and probably can't wait to beat up on their in-state rivals in EMU. Eastern Michigan played Indiana St, one of the worst FCS teams out there and are ill-prepared to face the Spartans. MSU 38-EMU 21.

Central Michigan @ Georgia (-24)
2:30 PM, FSS (HD) / SUN (HD)

Close call for Georgia as LeFevour makes case for Heisman

This is a game that I looked at during the pre-season and I thought that it would be a huge case for the MAC and Central Michigan if they were somehow competitive in this game. Georgia didn't have that great of a performance last week and I am more confident now in my assumption. CMU is a test for the hurting Georgia who even may be looking forward to next week's conference matchup with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Expect a fairly high scoring affair with Georgia coming out on top, 31-28.

Akron @ Syracuse (-4.5)
2:30 PM, FSOH

In battle of bottom-feeders, Akron finds a way to come out top against the Orange

The Zips showed some life on offense against Wisconsin. Syracuse is nowhere near the talent of the badgers, so I think Akron can win against the Orange who lost last week to NW. Akron 28-Syracuse 17.

Buffalo @ Pittsburgh (-13.5)
5:00 PM, SNY / ESPN-GP / ERTV

Pitt Panthers fall victim to yet another MAC team in Buffalo Bulls.

It wasn't the Bowling Green Falcons that had the best performance of Week 1, it was the Buffalo Bulls blowing out UTEP 42-17. The stats that BGSU put up against Pitt weren't even that impressive, as the Panthers gave the Falcons the game fumbling 3x and throwing an INT. The Bulls have way too many offensive skill players for Pitt to handle and have a better team overall than BGSU. Pitt 21, Buffalo 31.

Kent St @ Iowa St (-7)
6:00 PM, NO TV?

Jarvis shines in Kent State's upset over the Cyclones

Eugene Jarvis got shut down when Kent St played the brick wall run defense of Boston College. They get some easier competition this week against Iowa St. Jarvis should be able to run wild in a 28-17 victory of the Cyclones.

Minnesota @ Bowling Green (-6)
6:30 PM, ESPNU (HD)

Minnesota defeats 2nd MAC team in Bowling Green to start 2-0

Like I said in the Buffalo-Pitt writeup, I wasn't impressed by BGSU's offensive stats and they are due for a post-upset letdown against Minnesota. Even though the Falcons get the Gophers at home, it really isn't a good situation for BGSU. I think Minnesota can manage to win a close game, making NIU look great. Goophers 23-20.

Toledo @ Arizona (-23)
9:00 PM, NO TV?

Stoops in trouble after Wildcats fall to mid-major Toledo

I think this spread is so high because Arizona managed to beat the lowly Idaho Vandals last week 70-0. I believe this is an aberration, as the Toledo Rockets come in to Tucson with enough weapons to stay in the battle. I would like nothing better than for Toledo to beat Arizona, who has started to recruit our players in Illinois. Maybe this is wishful thinking, but the extra bye week has given the Rockets a little more chance to prepare. It all falls on which defense can perform better with this game expected to be a shootout. Toledo 28, Arizona 21.

More of a gain rather than a loss

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:56:00 +0000

photo courtesy of niuhuskies.com

A pair of redshirt freshmen stole the spotlight today. Harnish to Palmer. Harnish to Palmer. We'll be hearing that combo being heard over and over again in the next few years. In case you didn't hear, we only lost by 4 points to a (good) Big 11 team 27-31.

Quarterbacks

Chandler Harnish was everything we wanted to see and more. His poise was unbelievable going 17 for for 29 for 326 yds and 2 TDs. He was able to make a few plays with his feet, running 8 times for 30 yds. I haven't been this excited for an NIU QB since I started going to school here in '05.

Running Backs

Justin Anderson was disappointing rushing for only 38 yds on 13 carries. I really think that Minnesota D must have been keying in on our running game, forcing our freshman QB to make most of the plays.

Montell Clanton must have been a little bit rusty finally returning to the football field after being injured for the last 2 years. He showed some burst, but fumbled the ball on one play and didn't play much after that. Me'co Brown looked solid in limited playing time. I have no idea why Brown was in there for a 3rd and short on one play, as he looked a bit timid and couldn't manage to plow through for a 1st down.

There were also a couple blatant facemask penalties that weren't called against our RBs, which is disappointing.

Wide Receivers

WR Britt Davis showed off his improved hands leading the team with 4 catches. The offensive star of the game was #81 Nate Palmer who caught 3 receptions for 170 yds and 2 TDs. He is an unbelievable deep threat for this team. Matt Simon caught a few nice balls and was very consistent. TE Reed Cunningham looks like a solid contributor.

I feel as though 2 or 3 pass interference calls weren't made by these Big 10 officials. The one that really killed us was there at the end where #7 Britt was bumped by one of the Minn DBs before the ball even got there. I can only wonder why such blatant calls were not made in this game.

Offensive Line

This unit was disappointing because our running game only averaged 2.3 yds per carry and I barely saw any holes being opened up for the running backs. The unit did a good job in pass blocking, giving Harnish time to throw more often than not.

Defensive Line

DE Larry English made everybody on the field seem silly, even our own players. He was causing pressure all day which resulted in 2 TFL including a sack, while also recovering a fumble. And for some strange reason, he was out running all of our Linebackers and Secondary 2 times chasing down the Minnesota player who was making a big play. All of our team should look up to this man and his motor.

I'm a little worried otherwise though. I think that DE Craig Rusch got hurt during this game, because I didn't see him in there much later in the game and he only got 1 tackle. DE Brandon Bice made a great play shoving the Minnesota OT down to the ground and sacking the QB. Our goal-line defense wasn't too impressive, but they held their own.

Linebackers

MLB Tim McCarthy is back and he is healthy and productive, making 7 tackles including 2 for loss. WLB Cory Hanson looked lost in coverage half the time and let the TEs fly all over the place, which should have been taken care of by SLB Josh Allen. Allen had some good hits, but whoever is playing SLB needs to cover those TEs better. Didn't see too much of Alex Kube, which was disappointing.

Secondary

David Bryant looked great at FS making 7 solo tackles and causing a key fumble. I was also unimpressed by CB Melvin Rice who didn't take a great angle at one of the scoring TDs, but did manage to strip the ball on another scoring try by the Gophers. Again, I don't know where those safeties were covering those playmaking TEs.

Special Teams

K Mike Salerno was extremely impressive kicking field goals of 39 and 49 yds. He easily replaces last year's start Chris Nendick. Me'co Brown wasn't too impressive returning kickoffs, but he didn't make any critical mistakes. He should flourish in the next couple games.

Our Kickoff coverage was bad. REALLY BAD. This may have cost us the game. This will be a main focus on the game film and in practices. Kill wants his ST to be superior.

Players that shined were #25 DB Tracey Wilson who helped with the blocked punt and made a key tackle on ST. #28 RB Chad Spann was credited with blocking the punt, but I could have sworn that it was #25 Wilson. Can somebody help me out here?

Overall, I was very impressed with this team and we can learn a lot from this game. I am a lot more confident about next week's trip to Kalamazoo, which hopefully I will be attending.

Interviewing the Enemy: Minnesota

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Here is part of a blog exchange with the vaunted Daily Gopher, your #1 stop for Golden Gopher information. Completely off the cuff on both sides.

I hear you have Eric Decker on offense. Expand on his abilities and do you have any other threats on that side of the ball?

Eric Decker is a very good athlete and poised to be one of the best receivers in the Big Ten. In the second half of last season he became a favorite target of quarterback Adam Weber's. When we throw the ball he will likely be the first target on most plays and you should expect to see offensive coordinator move him around in an effort to get favorable match ups and one-on-ones. But before Decker comes Weber who is our biggest threat offensively. As a redshirt freshman in 2007 he set several school records. One might assume it was because were throwing the ball all the time because we were behind, but that is not necessarily the case. On the season we threw the ball about 51% of the time which isn't a crazy pass:run ratio. He is deceptivelly athletic and is capable of beating you with his legs as well as his arm.The hope here is that Weber reduces mistakes and takes big strides in leading this offense.

There is a large gap in experience between our two teams. How specifically do you think that will affect the game tomorrow?

I think that NIU's experience advantage will be negated by the fact that it is a new system for them. I watched Minnesota in 2007 take a while to adjust to their new offensive and defensive systems. Now in year two we are hearing how everyone is much more comfortable and worrying about execution rather than where to line up. I would not underestimate this for the Huskies. By the time they hit MAC play they should be executing better but I believe this will have an affect on Saturday's game. And for Minnesota it should be noted that their key offensive players and their entire defensive line are alll returners.

Again, are these new players ready to step in and play D-1 ball right away? Especially on defense?

Are they ready? I don't know. But particularly on defense they are bigger and faster than what we had a year ago. Having a revamped secondary that at least has the tools to cover people will help them tremendously. I don't know if they are ready to actually stop Big Ten caliber players but as I said they are bigger and they are faster which allows them to recover from their mistakes. I am extremely anxious to see if they are indeed ready to step in and make a difference.

Is Tom Brewster another Ron Zook-esque fellow that is only going to recruit top players and coach horribly? Is there any hope in your minds that he will succeed in the X's and O's?

Excellent question and my excellent answer is I have NO IDEA. What I do appreciate about Brewster is that from day one he said he wants to bring in top notch assistants and let them do their job. I think we have experienced and talented coordinators so if Brewster can continue to bring in talented players and if he truly does let Mike Dunbar and Ted Roof do their thing on offense and defense then maybe Brewster has a chance to succeed on the field. There is no doubt he can recruit and there is little doubt that his players love playing for him. I sincerely hope the Zook comparisons stop at some point but to date is an apt comparison.

Absence

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of content in the last week and a half. I've been busy getting ready and settling in for my final year at NIU. There will definitely be more content this week leading up to the Saturday game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Week 1 OOC Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:07:00 +0000

Looking over the schedules for all of the MAC Conference teams, I have rounded up 20 specific matchups that I find to be the most interesting. Most of these take place in the first 4 weeks of the season, while a few take place later in the season.

1. Week 1 (Aug. 28) - Vanderbilt @ Miami OH
TV: 6:30 PM CST on ESPNU (HD)

This is one of the best chances a MAC team has all season long in knocking off a BCS team. Miami OH should be one of the top teams in the East if they can settle down on a QB to lead their team. However, Vanderbilt is in complete rebuilding mode and fields one of their worst teams in years. These teams played each other last year in Nashville and Vandy only won by 11 points 24-13. A hungry Miami returns 17 starters in this rematch game, while the Commodores only return 9 (3 on offense). Vandy lost their leading WR, RB and their entire O-Line, but their whole secondary returns on D.

2. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Northern Illinois @ Minnesota
TV: 6:00 PM on Big Ten Network (HD)

This game is huge for both teams who want to wash the taste from their mouths they got from last season. Both of these teams combined for 3 wins all of last year. For NIU, this is their biggest chance in years to get over the 20-year hump of not beating a Big 10 team (Wisconsin '88). Minnesota is in year 2 of a slow, trodding rebuilding mode and 2nd year HC Tim Brewster still has to prove he can coach as well as well as he can recruit top talent. NIU has turned from one of the least experienced teams to one of the most experienced in just one year, returning basically all 22 starters.

3. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Western Michigan @ Nebraska
TV: 6:00 PM on FSN PPV

WMU may be the most talented team in the West and face a tough challenge in their opener in Lincoln, NE. The Broncos have the top defense in the MAC, fielding the best secondary by far and strong D-Linemen and Linebackers. With weapons abound on offense, JR QB Tim Hiller just needs to find a way to get the ball to them without making the same mistakes he did last year throwing 15 INTs. It's a good matchup between a transitioning middle of the Big 12 team against a top MAC team. An upset is very possible and would be huge for the program in Kalamazoo. Nebraska has to rebound from the horrible defensive year they had last year and has a new, more balanced offensive attack with former LSU DC Bo Pelini as their new HC.

4. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Boston College @ Kent St (Cleveland)
TV: 6:30 PM on ESPNU (HD)

This is an interesting matchup because it is going to be played in the Cleveland Browns Stadium, which should provide an exciting atmosphere to start the season. I'm happy this is on TV, because we all get a chance at watching RB Eugene Jarvis who is one of the best talents the MAC has to offer. The unfortunate part is that he will be running in to the brick wall that is the BC defense, who was #2 in rushing D last season. Kent's D is nothing to shout about, with an especially shallow secondary, so we'll see how the Kent O can perform in a tough matchup for the Golden Flashes.

Harnish takes upperhand in QB battle...and more

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:19:00 +0000

The news in Huskieland has been, albeit, dry the last couple weeks and in that time I've found times to vacation and golf or whatever have you before it gets crazy and school starts. But there has been some interesting notes as of lately:

There was a lot of hype for NIU Alum TC Dantzler coming in to the Olympics this year wrestling at the 74kg/163lbs weight class. A problem for him and the rest of the wrestlers was that their scale was off by 5 lbs, forcing Dantzler to lose 23 lbs over a 2-week period. Peter Basci of Hungary beat TC in the 3rd round 3-0 and managed to make it all the way to the Semi-Finals. One more match won by Basci to get in to the finals and TC would have been able to compete for a Bronze, which unfortunately didn't happen. For more info on Dantzler, you can check out his website at http://tcdantzler2008olympian.com/ Just getting to the Olympics was the 37-year-old's dream, something he is proud he has accomplished.

Earlier on Tuesday, there was a scrimmage going on inside Huskie Stadium. rFR Chandler Harnish went 10 of 15 passing for 175 yds and 2 TDs, outdoing rSR Dan Nicholson who went only 2 of 6 for 12 yds and an INT in limited action. Nicholson was described as being "sore" from throwing a lot in the last week since shoulder surgery in the off-season. That isn't good news for Dan N, who appears to be on a short leash. The next big scrimmage is on Saturday the 16th which is also "Fan Day" where you can get autographs from the players.

LB-turned RB-turned DB David Bryant has picked off one of FR Brandon Rogers' passes. I'm pretty sure that kid is going to redshirt, because whenever he is mentioned he is throwing a pick. He should be good in the future though. SR Matt Simon, SO Landon Cox and walk-on rFR Willie Clark stoodout all having 3 catches a piece.

Jerry Kill thinks that the D-Line can be the strength of the team this year, barring injuries (knock on wood). I'll be first to admit that our DEs are pretty sick with SRs Craig Rusch and Larry English manning the helms, while the interior contains less heralded prospects such as sophomores Mike Krause and DJ Pirkle. Backup DEs JR Brandon Bice, JR Mike Kritikos and SO Jason Cruikshank are pushing the starters hard every practice.

Kill also mentioned how true frosh defensive linemen Adam Coleman, Brian Lawson and Sean Progar-Jackson have already mad a strong impact and will push for playing time this year. Add SR Alex Krutsch and SO Ed Jackson to the mix and you have a nice D-Line depth for once.

Other position battles to watch this camp that are wide-open:

Fullback (my guess at a depth chart)

JR Anthony Antonnaci
SO Kyle Skarb
SO Connor Flahive
rFR Pat McAvoy
FR Victor Jacques

Tight End

JR Reed Cunningham
FR Dan Edem
FR Jason Schepler

5 teams that will hate the MAC in 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:33:00 +0000

1. Army

The Games:

Aug. 29 (Week 1): Temple @ Army
Sep. 20 (Week 4): Akron @ Army
Oct. 11 (Week 7): Eastern Michigan @ Army
Oct. 18 (Week 8): Army @ Buffalo

Projected Record against the MAC: 1-3

Even though Army is an independent, it might as well join the Mid-American considering they play 4 teams in our conference this year. The Black Knights are in a definite rebuilding mode with only 8 returning starters, so it might be hard to notch up even one win against a MAC team. Army's best bet is to beat one of the projected last place teams in EMU or Akron, in which they get both teams at home.

2. Navy

Sep. 5 (Week 2): Navy @ Ball St
Nov. 1 (Week 10): Temple @ Navy
Nov. 25 (Week 13): Navy @ Northern Illinois

Projected Record: 0-3

Navy is another military academy that is in a rebuilding mode with a new coach this year and a loss of some key players, returning only 5 on offense. I'm assuming the defense can only improve from the horrible numbers they had last year. This year is tough against MAC teams, having to face top West teams in Ball St and NIU on the road. The Temple game is a rematch from last year, while Temple returns all 22 of their starters.

3. Indiana

Sep. 20 (Week 4): Ball St @ Indiana
Nov. 1 (Week 10): Central Michigan @ Indiana

Projected Record: 0-2

Indiana had a landmark year last year with a 7-6 record and went to their first bowl game in 14 years. This year will be a lot different with the loss of their career leading WR James Hardy. QB Kellen Lewis is going to run around all day, but is not going to have anybody to throw it to. They run in to a buzzsaw, getting 2 of the top MAC teams at home. The Ball St game is a rematch, with Ball State having the stronger team this year, while CMU is the defending MAC champs. They better come up with something to make the offense go or this Hoosier team is going to fall back to the bottom of the Big 10.

4. Minnesota

Aug. 30 (Week 1): Northern Illinois @ Minnesota
Sep. 6 (Week 2): Minnesota @ Bowling Green

Projected Record: 0-2

Minnesota is another one of those Big 10 teams that will probably be in the cellar thi upcoming season. Last year they were only 1-11 with new coach Tim Brewster. Minnesota did lose to Bowling Green in OT last year so it won't be a big surprise if the Falcons beat them again on their own turf. The opener against NIU should be a battle, but I'm confident that my Huskies have enough expeirence and talent to beat a rebuilding Minnesota team.

5. Michigan

Sep. 6 (Week 2): Miami OH @ Michigan
Oct. 11 (Week 7): Toledo @ Michigan

Projected Record: 1-1

Michigan has a new HC in Rich Rodriguez, who brings in an offensive system that is unfamiliar to the current roster that the Wolverines currently have. Every part of this offense is rebuilding with only 3 starters returning on that side of the ball. I'm gonna give Michigan the benefit of the doubt that they can win at least one of these games, but I wouldn't be that confident in their abilities on the offensive side of the ball. Both Toledo and Miami OH are teams flying under the radar that could surprise and take down the Wolverienes, which would be great in my mind.

2008 MAC Unit Rankings: The RBs

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:12:00 +0000

In what is expected to be a passing league in the MAC this year, a strong running back that can keep the first down marker going while making sure the other offense doesn't get on the field is a must. These strong RBs may just be the difference between winning the Conference or falling behind to the rest of the pack.

1. Kent St

#6 JR Eugene Jarvis led the MAC in rushing LY with 1,669 yds breaking Kent St's single season record, all while averaging almost 6 ypc! Also is on the 2008 Maxwell Award List for most outstanding RB. Is a small guy at 5'5" 170 lbs but so was Garrett Wolfe.

2. Central Michigan

The thing that makes CMU so special is their depth at RB. Both #3 SR Justin Hoskins and #28 SR Ontario Sneed have starting experience. Hoskins is a highly touted player that transferred from Notre Dame LY and Sneed led the team in rushing in '05 and '06. Both players have a ton of experience and that should fare well for the young Chippewas of Mt Pleasant.

Sneed Youtubage:

3. Northern Illinois

#21 JR Justin Anderson is the next great RB at Northern Illinois. He continued the 1,000 yd streak last year and hopes to make it 10 straight seasons NIU has had a 1,000 yd rusher in 2008. Got beat up a little bit toward the end of last year, but is in much better shape this year with a lot of help around him.

Youtubage:

4. Buffalo

#19 JR James Starks has quietly been one of the top players the last couple years, making 2nd Team All-MAC twice. Last year he was the first Buffalo Bull player ever to exceed the 1,000 yd mark in rushing. He hopes to lead the Buffaloes to a winning record and a bowl game this year for the first time.

Youtubage:

5. Western Michigan

#2 JR Brandon West had a lot of production last year rushing for 910 yds, but scoring only 4 TDs. A lot of the Goal-Line scoring went to graduated SR Mark Bonds who was more of a power back. Hopefully, West's speed can get it done next year for the Broncos.

6. Toledo

#22 JR DaJuane Collins led the MAC in ypc last year with 6.42 yds every touch while also scoring 7 TDs! Runs a 4.45 40 and has potential through the roof.

7. Akron

#7 SR Andrew Johnson just transferred to Akron from University of Miami. When the "Miami of Florida" recruited this guy he was the #6 ranked RB in the Nation. He tore up an ACL while playing for the Hurricanes, but hopes to be the main guy for the Zips this year. Backing him up is #3 SR Dennis Kennedy, who saw some time LY and was 2nd Team All-MAC as a Sophomore.

9. Ball St

#33 JR MiQuale Lewis, #2 SO Frank Edmonds and the rest of the Cardinal RBs were hampered with injuries LY. Both rushed for around 500 yds last year and hope to be finally healthy this year. This RB corps has a lot of experience and potential and will be successful as long as they stay on the field.

8. BGSU

#28 SO Willie Geter is now the man at the RB spot since #17 SR Anthony Turner has changed his postition to WR. Geter is small (5'7" 167), but was productive lst year, averaging over 6 ypc. Is the speedy type that can be successful in BG's offensive scheme.

10. Miami OH

#34 SO Thomas Merriweather has limited experience playing LY rushing for 156 yds and 4 TDs, but is highly touted and expected to be the man for the Redhawks this year.

11. Ohio

#2 JR Chris Garrett has some HUGE shoes to fill in trying to replace the Ohio career rushing leader Kalvin McRae. Luckily he has a pretty good skillset and Ohio is usually pretty good at running the ball. Is a converted WR so could be a good catcher out of the backfield.

12. Temple

#3 SO Marquise Liverpool and #26 RS FR Joe Jones are the men at the RB spot for the Temple Owls. The highly touted Marquise is switching over from the WR spot and played as a true freshman. The also-highly touted Jones injured his knee in camp LY and redshirted.

13. EMU

#36 SR Terrence Blevins and #22 SO Dwayne Priest are the 2 guys vying for the starting spot with the Eagles. Blevins has the experience and can supposedly run under a 4.5 and bench 405 lbs, so he is on the fast track to start for EMU for the first time as a Senior.

Publication rankings:

Phil Steele

1. Kent St
2. Central Michigan
3. N Illinois & BGSU
5. Buffalo
6. Toledo & Akron
8. Western Michigan, Ball St & Miami OH
11. E Michigan & Temple
13. Ohio

Athlon

1. Central Michigan
2. Western Michigan
3. Kent St
4. Toledo
5. Buffalo
6. Northern Illinois
7. Akron
8. Ohio
9. Bowling Green
10. Ball St
11. Eastern Michigan
12. Miami OH
13. Temple

MAC News & Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:55:00 +0000

Former NIU starting pitcher Trevor Feeney flirts with a no-hitter as part of the Detroit Tigers minor league organization.

Senior TE David Koronkiewicz will forego his senior season at NIU. Not so bad for him considering he'll finish his Masters this Fall. It's a shame he had to be injured so much during his career here.

Akron allegedly gets a super-athlete in Devoe Torrence to come to their team. It has since been confirmed. Brookhart likes him at RB, we'll see how that goes.

Kent State is almost done installing their new High-Definition Scoreboard continuing renovations at Dix Stadium. We really need one of those. And a new sound system. All in due time of course.

Further hurting CMU in the secondary, backup safety EJ McLaughlin has been declared academically ineligible for the 2008 season.

And finally a top player we offered in Wisconsin LB AJ Klein commits to Iowa State of all places.

Recruiting Time Machine: The 2005 Class

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0000

I'm sick and tired of people saying we're in a rebuilding mode. Last year was rebuilding mode. This year we have to perform. The talent and potential on this team is on par in my opinion with the great Huskie teams of the past. Even with the coaching change, I feel as though we have enough talent to succeed in the gauntlet that is the MAC West this year. Here is the previous entry to this series of looking back at recruiting classes and how they will possibly shape this upcoming season:

Recruiting Time Machine: The 2004 Class

U of I: 11/22/04 - Fired Ron Turner, 12/7/04 - Hired Ron Zook. We had just won a bowl game. We were kings of Illinois at the time, while the boys down south were in turmoil.

Coincidentally, Akron beat us in recruiting and the MAC Championship in 2005.

This class takes in account the 4-year guys including Seniors who never redshirted and the Juniors who did and have that extra year of eligibility to return next year for their 5th.

Class Rankings

Phil Steele - #2 in the MAC (behind Akron)
Rivals - #1 in the MAC (tied with Akron), #83 Overall
Scout - #6 in the MAC, #97 Overall

Class Size - 20 of 24 remain + 3 transfers and 5 walk-ons

Location: 14 - IL, 4 - WI, 3 - MN, 2 - IN, 1 - MO

Top of the Class (In Alphabetical Order)

50 C Eddie Adamski
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #424 OL

Eddie has started at Center the past 2 seasons and last year graded out the highest out of any other offensive lineman.

21 TB Justin Anderson
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #65 Athlete, #29 player in IL
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #54 QB
Other offers: Illinois

Became the 5th straight running back to record over 1,000 yds rushing to keep the 9-year streak alive. Voted 2nd Team All-MAC and Soph All-American. Anderson is surprisingly good at catching passes out of the backfield catching 45 balls last year which placed him 2nd in receptions. Look for him to be slimmer and speedier this upcoming season.

SR 36 CB Chase Carter
JUCO Tranfer
Scout rating: 2-stars

This transfer from Coffeyville CC in Wichita Kansas has been phenomenal from day one starting at CB for the Huskies. He stays healthy, causes turnovers and has some speed to his game that makes him invaluable this upcoming season.

SR 18 P Andy Dittbenner
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #68 K

It took him a while, but Andy finally got the hang of things last year with a punting avg of 43.5 yds which was good to set an NIU record, rank 5th in the MAC and 16th nationally. He deservedly won NIU's most improved player at the end of the season LY.

SR 2 CB Melvin Rice
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #41 Cornerback
Scout rating: 2-stars, #96 CB
PS ranking: #73 DB
Other offers: Akron, Ball St

Mel Rice leads all NIU defenders with 12 career pass breakups. Those Morgan Park boys doesn't mess around. He will hit you hard, very hard. He still has a ton of potential and I can't wait to see what he does with the new defensive scheme.

59 OT Kevin Skatrud
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #533 OL

Was rock-solid LY starting all but one game at Left Guard. Will have to help out whoever ends up playing LT for us a ton.

Potential Breakout Players

SR 9 LB Josh Allen
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #143 QB

Now that I look at it, Josh Allen led all Linebackers and placed 3rd on the team with 89 tackles last year. He started all 12 games (avoiding the injury bug) and had 9 TFL in addition to 2 sacks. However, in the post-spring media guide, he was 2nd string SLB behind converted SS Alex Kube! I hope JA gets pissed and regains some sort of spot in the starting lineup.

49 FB Anthony Antonacci
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #256 DL

Tony A has the fast-track to become the first ever starting fullback in the Kill era for the Huskies as long as he's recovered from his knee injury he endured early last season.

56 DE Brandon Bice
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #345 LB

Bice works and works to become better at that LE spot, but is obviously going to be overshadowed by the guy on the other side in Larry English. He started 11 games last year and hopes to be a force alongside the reigning MAC MVP to help not only our rush defense, but putting pressure on the QB helping the secondary.

52 LB Phil Brown
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #46 Outside linebacker, #28 player in IL
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #156 LB
Other offers: Ball St

Phil Brown played in 11 games last year, starting 3. He is unfortunately not in the starting lineup at the moment buried behind Alex Kube and Josh Allen. However, he has a ton of untapped talent and would be a force if he became a full-time linebacker. Played a little DE last year filling in for injured players.

83 TE Reed Cunningham
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 4.9
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #220 TE

This is Reed's job to lose. He's shown flashes of vast potential in the past, but last year he was hampered by various knee and ankle injuries starting 4 games and only playing in 6. Could be the next star at TE even though Kill doesn't think much of him so far.

26 LB Cory Hanson
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #479 DB

Yet another current backup LB that can start. Started 12 of 13 as a redshirt Freshman. LY appeared in 8 and started 6 while flirting with injuries.

57 LB Zach Larsen
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #175 LB

I think we can call this "The Linebacker Class". Larsen played in 11 games and started the last 6. Was co-winner of most-improved award.

SR 24 DB Bradley Pruitt
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #338 DB

Along with Patrick George, Bradley will be filling in as the 3rd CB in nickel and dime situations this year. Played in all 12 games starting 11 LY, all while switching back and forth from CB to S. Finished 2nd on the team with 92 tackles, although the little guy got dragged on a few of those takedowns.

SR 17 WR Greg Turner
Walk-on
PS Ranking: #139 DB

Slated in as the 3rd WR this year. He appeared in 10 games LY starting 4 of them and is known as more of a posession guy. Hopefully he gained some speed this off-season to match Coach Kill's liking.

11 K/P Mike Salerno
Winona St Tranfer
Scout rating: 3-stars, #8 Kicker

Salerno's kicking job to lose. If he can hold the walk-on from Joliet JC Steve Ivanisevic off. A virtual unkown other than he was highly touted by scout coming out of high school and has set some Winona Stat records for kicking already.

27 SS Spencer Williamson
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #525 LB

Spencer is the main "3rd guy" coming out to play the safety position. He has good size and I bet he could cause a few "oohs" and "aahs" this year.

The Backups

4 RB David Bryant
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #468 LB

This converted linebacker was Justin Anderson's backup for most of last year while all of the other RBs went down with injuries. He's behind Clanton & Spann but is still a guy that may get some carries.

32 FS Jeff Fontana
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #355 DB

Well, well, well. Jeff had a tough time last year with coverage. Hopefully this year he can step it up and push the new starting safeties for their spots.

66 OT Tony Holmes
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.4
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #514 OL

Current 3rd string tackle that saw time in 8 games last year. A little on the big side weighing 330 lbs.

48 LB Mike Kritikos
Walk-on

Good luck seeing time being Larry English's backup. Will have to add some weight to his 220 lb frame if he wants to stick on that line.

1 DB Anthony Mason
Valparaiso Transfer

Ant Mason was a spark-plug for the Special Teams and nickel/dime back last year. Is ballsy for taking Wolfe's old number.

77 OG Tim Mayerbock
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.3
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #333 OL
Other offers: Akron

Tim started the first 4 games at LG last season but has fell off since. Kill's post-spring depth chart has him behind both Skatrud and Tense for the LG spot this year.

15 QB Ryan Morris
Walk-on

Ryan performed mop-up duty for Dan Nicholson when he was dinged up last year. Has had his moments filling in, but doesn't have the arm strength or accuracy to be the starter full time over Dan Nicholson or Chandler Harnish this year.

12 DB David Pratt
Walk-on

Pratt walked-on LY as a Junior and redshirted. I should have done this. Probable practice squad guy.

9 TB Matt Schiffler
Walk-on

Solid special teams guy who will only make an appearance at RB in the Spring Game or when we blow out Indiana State (2006 and week 4 this year)

64 OT Jake Wertz
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #331 OL

Another guy with limited experience that only played against Indiana St in 2006. I hope we actually have more of a rotation in the offensive line this year more than we did last year with the same guys playing the entire game with nobody subbing in.

82 WR Preston Williams
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #475 WR

Probably is more famous for being mentioned in a DMS song than the football field.

Who are these guys?

OL Ethan Gill
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #675

Quit before 2006 season

DL Adam Grimm
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #238 OL

Career ending back injury.

WR Orlando Moore
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking - #48 WR
Other offers: Michigan St, Bowling Green & Toledo

Was highly touted coming in, but ended up having grade issues. One day I going to class, some coach was lecturing him about this same issue. Remember what Mr. T says: "Don't be a fool, stay in school"

WR Justin Williams
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #475 WR

Quit before 2006 season, ?

noreply@blogger.com (Mad Mike) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:41:00 +0000

All-Novak Team

Offense

QB - #10 Josh Haldi (2002-04)
TB - #32 Michael Turner (2000-03)
TB - #1 Garrett Wolfe (2004-06)

WR - #85 Justin McCareins (1997-2000)
WR - #82 PJ Fleck (1999-2001, 2003)
WR - #84 Sam Hurd (2002-05)
TE - #89 Brad Cieslak (2002-04)

OL - #74 Ryan Diem (1997-2000)
OL - #62 Doug Free (2003-06)
OL - #66 Jake VerStraete (2001-04)
OL - #79 Ben Lueck (2003-05)
OL - #65 Brian Van Acker (2003-05)

Defense

DL - #55 Vinson Reynolds (2000-03)
DL - #56 Travis Moore (2001-04)
DL - #96 Quince Holman (2003-05)
DL - #51 Larry English (2005-08)

LB - #26 Larry Williams (1999-2002)
LB - #45 Nick Duffy (2000-03)
LB - #38 Brian "The Beast" Atkinson (2001-04)

FS - #9 Lionel "Boogie" Hickenbottom (2001, 2003-04)
SS - #21 Akil Grant (2000-03)
CB - #17 Vince Thompson (1999-2002)
CB - #18 Randee Drew (2000-03)

Special Teams

P -
K - #13 Steve Azar (2000-03)

PR - #5 Dan Sheldon (2001-04)
KR -

2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 -
2005 -