Northern Illinois Huskies football: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|College football program}} |
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{{Cleanup|date=December 2010}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}} |
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{{Infobox NCAA football school |
{{Infobox NCAA football school |
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| TeamName = Northern Illinois Huskies |
| TeamName = Northern Illinois Huskies football |
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| CurrentSeason = |
| CurrentSeason = 2024 Northern Illinois Huskies football team |
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| FirstYear = 1899 |
| FirstYear = [[1899 Northern Illinois State Normal football team|1899]]; {{Years or months ago|1899}} |
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| Image = |
| Image = Northern Illinois Huskies football wordmark.svg |
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| ImageSize = |
| ImageSize = 200 |
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| AthleticDirector = [[Sean Frazier]] |
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| Helmet = |
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| HeadCoach = [[Thomas Hammock]] |
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| HeadCoachYear = 6th |
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| HCWins = 31 |
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| HCLosses = 38 |
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| HeadCoachDisplay = Dave Doeren |
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| Stadium = [[Huskie Stadium]] |
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| HeadCoachLink = Dave Doeren |
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| HeadCoachYear = 1st |
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| HCWins = 11 |
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| HCLosses = 3 |
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| HCTies = |
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| OtherStaff = |
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| Stadium = Huskie Stadium |
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| FieldName = Brigham Field |
| FieldName = Brigham Field |
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| StadiumBuilt = |
| StadiumBuilt = 1965 |
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| StadCapacity = |
| StadCapacity = 28,211 |
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| StadSurface = AstroTurf<ref name="new_turf-2024">{{cite web |title=New Huskie Stadium Turf Installation Complete |url=https://niuhuskies.com/news/2024/6/12/football-new-huskie-stadium-turf-installation-complete.aspx |website=NIU Athletics - Official Website |publisher=NIU |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> |
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| StadSurface = FieldTurf |
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| Location = DeKalb, Illinois |
| Location = [[DeKalb, Illinois]] |
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| NCAAdivision = I FBS |
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| League = [[NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] [[Football Bowl Subdivision|(FBS)]] |
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| Conference = [[Mid-American Conference|Mid-American]] |
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| ConferenceDisplay= MAC |
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| ConferenceLink = Mid-American Conference |
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| ConfDivision = West |
| ConfDivision = West |
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| PastAffiliations = [[NCAA Division I-A independent schools|Independent]] (1899–1919)<br />[[Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|IIAC]] (1920–24)<br />[[NCAA Division I-A independent schools|Independent]] (1925–1927)<br />IIAC (1928–1965)<br>Independent (1966–1972)<br />Mid-American (1973–1985)<br />Independent (1986–1992)<br />[[Big West Conference|Big West]] (1993–1995)<br />Independent (1996) |
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| PastAffiliations = |
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| ATWins = |
| ATWins = 617 |
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| ATLosses = |
| ATLosses = 531 |
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| ATTies = 51<ref>As of September 7, 2024, per the {{cite web |url= https://niuhuskies.com/documents/2023/10/11/NIU_Football_2023_Record_Book___Guide.pdf |title= 2023 NIU Football Record Book & Guide | website= NIU Athletics - Official Website}}, plus record to date per {{cite web |url= https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/ |title= Northern Illinois Huskies School History |website= College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> |
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| ATTies = 51 |
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| BowlWins = 6 |
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| BowlLosses = 10 |
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| BowlTies = |
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| NatlTitles = 1 <br /> [[NCAA Division II football championship|Div. II]]: ([[1963 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1963]]) |
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| BowlTies = |
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| ConfTitles = 12<br>(1938, 1944, 1951, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1983, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021) |
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| NatlTitles = 1 (1963) |
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| DivTitles = 12<br>(2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021) |
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| ConfTitles = 10 |
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| Heismans = |
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| AllAmericans = 2 |
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| uniform = |
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| FightSong = "Huskie Fight Song"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niuhuskies.com/trads/huskie-music.html |title=The Northern Illinois Official Athletic Site – Traditions |publisher=Niuhuskies.com |access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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| uniform = File:MAC-Uniform-NIU.png |
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| MascotDisplay = Victor E. Huskie<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mascots.com/images/galleries/dogs/Pages/NorthernIllinoisUniv_Huskie3.html |title=Dogs and Canine Characters: 31 of 52 |publisher=Mascots.com |access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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| Color1 = Cardinal |
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| MarchingBand = The Pride of the Midwest<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niu.edu/band |title=Huskie Band Home – NIU – Huskie Band |publisher=Niu.edu |access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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| Color1Hex = cc1122 |
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| WebsiteName = NIUHuskies.com |
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| WebsiteURL = https://niuhuskies.com/sports/football |
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| Color2Hex = 000000 |
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| Rivalries = [[Ball State Cardinals football|Ball State]], [[Bronze Stalk Trophy]]<br>[[Miami RedHawks football|Miami (OH)]], Mallory Cup |
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| FightSong = [http://www.niuhuskies.com/trads/huskie-music.html "Huskie Fight Song"] |
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}NCAA Rushing Leaders}} |
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| MascotDisplay = [http://www.mascots.com/images/galleries/dogs/Pages/NorthernIllinoisUniv_Huskie3.html Victor E. Huskie] |
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| MascotLink = |
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| MarchingBand = [http://www.niu.edu/band/ "The Pride of the Midwest"] |
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| PagFreeLabel = Rivals |
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| PagFreeValue = [[Toledo Rockets football|Toledo Rockets]]<br />[[Toledo_Rockets#Rocket_Marching_Band|Rocket Marching Band (RMB)]] |
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| PagFreeLabel2 = Heisman Finalist |
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| PagFreeValue2 = [[LeShon Johnson]] (1993) |
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| WebsiteName = NIU Huskie Football |
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| WebsiteURL = http://www.niuhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/niu-m-footbl-body.html |
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}} |
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[[File:NorthernIllinoisHuskies.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Alternate logo.]] |
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The '''Northern Illinois Huskies football''' team |
The '''Northern Illinois Huskies football''' team are a [[college football]] program representing [[Northern Illinois University]] (NIU) in the [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|Football Bowl Subdivision]] (FBS) of [[college football]]. NIU football plays its home games at [[Huskie Stadium]] on the campus of the Northern Illinois University in [[DeKalb, Illinois]]. |
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The Huskies compete in the [[Mid-American Conference]] (MAC) as a member of the West Division, where they have won six championships in 1983, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2021. They have played in twelve post-season bowl games since 2004, most notably the [[2013 Orange Bowl]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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NIU's football program was established in the late 19th century, playing its first ever game against [[DeKalb High School (Illinois)|DeKalb High School]] in 1899 and was led by coach John L. Keith to the team's first ever victory. NIU started out in the independent scene from 1899 through 1919 before joining the [[Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]]. The team became independent again in 1925. NIU returned to the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1928 and finished the season winless for the first time. In 1929 however, Red Evans took over as the head football coach and immediately twisted the downhill fate of his team as he led his squad to a 6-1-1 record. Evans led the Huskies to continuous winning seasons since his take over, and his efforts paid off in 1938 as NIU captured the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, the team's first title. He followed it up with three more championships (1941, '44, and '46) and even led the Huskies' to a back-to-back bowl game appearance in 1946 and '47 (unfortunately, both on a losing cause to Evansville first in the Turkey Bowl then in the Hoosier Bowl). In 1950, the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which had dwindled down to only five members (NIU, SIU, EIU, WIU, and ISU) accepted its first members from out of state and changed its name to the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. With the exception of the spotless season (9-0-0) in 1951 that earned the team a 5th conference title, NIU failed to make a decent showing during the first few years in the newly-named conference. Howard Fletcher though had other plans as he picked up the pieces of the miserable 0-8-1 season from Robert Kahler in 1956. The Huskies' had a slow progress that picked up in the late 1950s. The team's third bowl game appearance in 1962, although a loss, was only the beginning of good things to come as in the following season, the Huskies completed their sixth undefeated season which earned them the [[Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship]], an AP College Division National championship selection, and a ticket to the [[Mineral Water Bowl]] which the team eventually won over [[Missouri State]]. The team made it a three-peat championship, adding up the 1964 and 1965 conference titles. NIU became independent from 1966 through '72 before joining the [[Mid-American Conference|Mid-American Athletic Conference]] in 1973. The team claimed the MAC title in 1983 then went on to their first Bowl Game in the [[Division I-A]], the [[California Bowl]], which the Huskies won over [[Cal State-Fullerton]]. The team had no permanent affiliation after leaving the MAC in 1986; first became independent from 1987–92, then joined the [[Big West Conference]] from 1993 through '95, became independent again in '96, then finally was admitted back into the Mid-American Conference in 1997. |
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===Early history=== |
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As of 2006, NIU has won 9 conference and 1 division titles, appeared in eight Division I-A and College Division Bowl Games (winning three), and has accumulated over 400 wins and an all time winning mark that is above .500. |
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[[File:Northern illinois football team 1899.jpg|thumb|left|Nothern Illinois first football team of 1899]] |
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NIU's football program was established in the late 19th century, playing its first ever game against [[DeKalb High School (Illinois)|DeKalb High School]] in 1899 and was led by coach John L. Keith to the team's first ever victory. NIU started out in the independent scene from 1899 through 1919 before joining the [[Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]]. The team became independent again in 1925. NIU returned to the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1928 and finished the season winless for the first time. In [[1929 Northern Illinois State Teachers football team|1929]] however, [[Chick Evans (coach)|Chick Evans]] took over as the head football coach and immediately twisted the downhill fate of his team as he led his squad to a 6–1–1 record. Evans led the Huskies to continuous winning seasons since his take over, and his efforts paid off in [[1938 Northern Illinois State Evansmen football team|1938]] as NIU captured the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, the team's first title. He followed it up with three more championships ([[1941 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1941]], [[1944 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|'44]], and [[1946 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|'46]]) and even led the Huskies' to a back-to-back bowl game appearance in [[1946 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1946]] and [[1947 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1947]]. |
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In 1950, the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which had dwindled down to only five members (NIU, SIU, EIU, WIU, and ISU) accepted its first members from out of state and changed its name to the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. With the exception of the spotless season (9–0–0) in [[1951 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1951]] that earned the team a 5th conference title, NIU failed to make a decent showing during the first few years in the newly named conference. Howard Fletcher though had other plans as he picked up the pieces of the miserable 0–8–1 season from Robert Kahler in 1956. The Huskies' had a slow progress that picked up in the late 1950s. The team's third bowl game appearance in [[1962 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1962]], although a loss, was only the beginning of good things to come as in the following season, the Huskies completed their sixth undefeated season which earned them the [[Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] Championship, an AP College Division National championship selection, and a ticket to the prestigious [[Mineral Water Bowl]] which the team eventually won over [[Missouri State]]. The team made it a three-peat championship, adding up the [[1964 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1964]] and [[1965 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1965]] conference titles. NIU became independent from 1966 through '72 before joining the [[Mid-American Conference|Mid-American Athletic Conference]] in 1973. The team claimed the MAC title in [[1983 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1983]] then went on to their first Bowl Game in the [[Division I-A]], the [[California Bowl]], which the Huskies won over [[Cal State-Fullerton]]. The team left the MAC after the 1985 season and first became independent from 1986 to 1992, then joined the [[Big West Conference]] from 1993 through '95, becoming independent again in '96, then finally was admitted back into the Mid-American Conference in 1997. |
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===Joe Novak era (1996–2007)=== |
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[[Joe Novak]] took over the Huskies program in December 1995, and coached his first NIU game in September 1996. The first three years of Novak's tenure proved to be tumultuous, as his Huskies squads won a total of three games between 1996 and 1998. Despite this, Novak kept his job and turned the program around. On October 17, 1998, the Huskies broke their epic losing streak, by defeating Central Michigan University 17–6. The student body tore down the goal posts, and carried them down Lincoln Highway, planting the goal posts in a campus lagoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-10-23/sports/9810230055_1_posts-niu-huskie-stadium|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306200304/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-10-23/sports/9810230055_1_posts-niu-huskie-stadium|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|title=Huskies In Heaven}}</ref> University president John LaTourette personally paid to have new goal posts installed. In 1999, NIU won 5 games, and in 2000 Novak started a string of seven consecutive winning seasons, going 6–5 in both 2000 and 2001. After a 1–3 start to the 2002 season, fans{{Who|date=September 2016}} began to see the fruits of Novak's labor as the team ripped off 7 consecutive wins, and only a 33–30 loss in their final game against rival Toledo prevented a MAC Championship Game appearance. |
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Optimism was high to start the 2003 season,{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} with 12 returning starters including prospect and future NFL players [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]], [[Doug Free]], Brad Cieslak, [[P. J. Fleck]], Dan Sheldon, Keith Perry, Vinson Reynolds, Akil Grant, Randee Drew, and Travis Moore. On opening weekend, the Huskies beat No. 15 Maryland, 20–13, in overtime. Then, the Huskies traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat No. 21 Alabama, 16–13. After beating Iowa State the following week, the Huskies were rolling and won their first 7 games. Following their week 5 win against Ohio, the first BCS standings were released, and by week 7 the Huskies had climbed to No. 10 overall. Novak and the Huskies could not keep that momentum going, as they lost in week 8 at No. 22 Bowling Green, which also featured the first ever ESPN ''GameDay'' appearance for a MAC football game. The Huskies lost one more game in 2003, to Toledo, finishing the year 10–2, unranked, and uninvited to a bowl game. |
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Novak's 2004 and 2006 teams both went to bowl games. The 2004 team went to the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, California and was the first Huskies team to go bowling in 21 years. The Huskies fell behind early, 14–0, to a Troy team that featured [[DeMarcus Ware]], but were able to rally behind future NFL running back [[Garrett Wolfe]] and the accurate passing of Josh Haldi to win, 34–21. In 2006, Wolfe and company returned to a bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, against [[TCU Horned Frogs football|TCU]] and lost 37–7. |
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Novak's final year was a tough one, winning only 2 games and finishing at the bottom of the MAC West. Overall Novak won 63 games as the Huskies' head coach. He currently{{When|date=September 2016}} is retired and resides in North Carolina. |
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The Huskies finished the 2007 season having produced a 1,000-yard rusher in the previous nine consecutive seasons, starting in 1999, including rushers Thomas Hammock, [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]], [[Garrett Wolfe]] and Justin Anderson. |
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===Jerry Kill era (2008–2010)=== |
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[[Jerry Kill]] was hired to replace the retiring Joe Novak after the 2007 season. Kill was previously the head coach at [[Southern Illinois University]], an [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] football program, making NIU his first [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] head coaching job. Kill led the Huskies to three straight bowl appearances in his three years as head coach, all three with quarterback Chandler Harnish. In 2010, Kill led the Huskies to the [[2010 MAC Championship Game|MAC Championship]], but NIU fell to [[2010 Miami RedHawks football team|Miami (Ohio)]]. On December 5, 2010, the day after NIU's loss in the MAC Championship, Kill tendered his immediate resignation and accepted the position of head coach of the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football team|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]. Coach Kill's resignation would leave harsh feelings in the Huskie locker room, as the players learned of his resignation through email. This left the Huskies without a coach, less than two weeks before they were to appear in the [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl]]. |
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Despite Kill's departure, the Huskies won their bowl game, defeating [[Fresno State]] in the [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl]]. |
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=== Dave Doeren era (2011–2012) === |
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On December 13, 2010, [[Dave Doeren]] was named the new head coach. The Huskies went 11–3 in his first season and they won their first MAC Championship since 1983 in a 23–20 comeback win against Ohio, while also defeating the [[Arkansas State Red Wolves]] in a come-from-behind game in the [[2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl]]. |
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Inclusive of the 2012 season, NIU had won 10 conference and three division titles, appeared in 13 Division I-A and College Division bowl games (winning five), had accumulated 535 wins, and has an all-time winning percentage of .533.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://niuhuskies.com/documents/2013/8/24/media-guide-13.pdf |title= NIU 2013 Huskies Media Guide |website= NIU Athletics - Official Website}}</ref> |
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2012 ended up being another memorable season in DeKalb, with the emergence of quarterback [[Jordan Lynch]]. Lynch was replacing Huskie QB [[Chandler Harnish]], the decorated NIU starting QB for the previous three years. There was hope that Lynch would be a good quarterback, but no one could have predicted what Lynch ended up doing in the 2012 campaign. Lynch ended the season passing for 2962 yards, 24 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also ran for 1751 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. The 1751 rushing yards were the most ever by a quarterback in the FBS at the time, surpassing a record set in 2011 by [[Denard Robinson]] of the University of Michigan. Lynch's marquee game was on November 14 against Toledo, where Lynch threw for 407 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for another 162 yards. Lynch lead the Huskies to an 11–1 record, a No. 21 ranking in the BCS poll and their third consecutive MAC West Divisional Championship. In the [[2012 MAC Championship Game|MAC Championship Game]], NIU defeated No. 17 Kent State Golden Flashes 44–37 score in double overtime. Lynch scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The win eventually propelled the team to No. 15 in the BCS Standings, granting them their first-ever appearance in a BCS bowl game, the [[2013 Orange Bowl]] against Florida State.<ref>{{cite news |last=McMurphy|first=Brett|title=Sources: Northern Illinois to play in Orange Bowl|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8702724/bcs-bowl-schedule-northern-illinois-huskies-earn-orange-bowl-bid |access-date=February 12, 2012|date=February 12, 2012}}</ref> |
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The day after the MAC Championship game, Doeren was hired as the new head coach for North Carolina State University.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Fred|title=Doeren to leave Northern Illinois for N.C. State|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-dave-doeren-nc-state-northern-illinois-20121201,0,2147572.story|access-date=January 12, 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=January 12, 2012}}</ref> [[Rod Carey]] took over and coached the Huskies in the Orange Bowl, but NIU eventually lost 31–10 to the Seminoles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Seligman|first=Andrew|title=Northern Illinois looks to put Orange Bowl in past, build on BCS|url=http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/niu-looks-put-orange-bowl-past-build-bcs|date=August 15, 2012}}</ref> The Orange Bowl was the first of Carey's six bowl losses: Orange Bowl (2013), Poinsettia Bowl (2013 & 2015), the Boca Raton Bowl (2014 & 2018), and the Quick Lane Bowl (2017).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-01-01-florida-state.html|title=Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs Florida State Box Score, January 1, 2013 - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://mcubed.net/ncaaf/bowls/nil.shtml|title= Mcubed.net : NCAA Football : Bowl Games : Northern Illinois bowl game history}}</ref> |
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On September 28, 2024 Doeren played against NIU for the first time in his career. Unfortunately NC State won the tight matchup, with a 17-24 win. |
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=== Rod Carey era (2013–2018) === |
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Following a bitter end to the 2012 campaign, NIU looked to build their momentum in 2013. In front of two sellout crowds, the Huskies increased their NCAA record home win streak to 26 games. Following the conclusion of the regular season, NIU was poised to bust the [[Bowl Championship Series|BCS]] yet again. They sat 12–0 after cruising through their schedule, #14 in the BCS Standings, and were sitting above an AQ conference champion. [[Jordan Lynch]] became the first Huskie ever to be invited to the Heisman trophy ceremony in New York, finishing 3rd. Following their regular season, heartbreak happened for the Huskies. They lost both their conference championship, as well as their bowl game ([[Poinsettia Bowl]]) to finish the season 12–2, leaving Jordan Lynch with a career record of 24–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/2014-schedule.html|title=2014 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> |
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Following the season, 3 Huskies had All-American honors. Jordan Lynch was a first team all purpose AP All American, [[Jimmie Ward]] was a first team Sports Illustrated (second team AP), and [[Tommylee Lewis]] was an honorable mention (AP).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niuhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121713aaa.html |title=Three Huskies Earn All-America Honors – NIUHUSKIES.COM – The Northern Illinois Official Athletic Site |publisher=Niuhuskies.Com |date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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In 2014, the Huskies had another strong season despite the departure of Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch and NFL draft picks Jimmie Ward and [[Ken Bishop]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/draft.htm|title= 2014 NFL Draft Listing|website= [[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> NIU beat Big Ten program Northwestern in September and defeated Bowling Green 51-17 in the MAC Championship Game to win their 3rd MAC title in four seasons. They lost the Boca Raton Bowl to Conference USA Champion Marshall 52-23. The Huskies finished 11-3, their 5th consecutive season where they won at least 11 games and received votes in the AP Top 25 poll during the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://niuhuskies.com/sports/football/schedule/2014 |title=2014 Football Schedule }}</ref> |
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In their 3rd game of 2015, the Huskies narrowly lost to defending National Champion and #1 ranked Ohio State 20-13 as 34.5 point underdogs, in a game that the Huskies didn't trail until halfway through the 3rd quarter.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.si.com/college/2015/09/17/ohio-state-northern-illinois-odds-line-betting-preview|title= Odds: Ohio State should have no trouble with NIU}}</ref> NIU rattled off six consecutive wins to start MAC play, including a road win against #20 ranked Toledo, and won the MAC West division title for the 6th consecutive season. NIU ended the season with losses to Bowling Green in the MAC title game (34-14) and Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl (55-7) where NIU was outgained 654 to 33 yards.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://fbschedules.com/ncaa-2015/team/northern-illinois|title= 2015 Northern Illinois Football Schedule}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400852710|title= Boise State vs. Northern Illinois - Game Summary - December 23, 2015 - ESPN}}</ref> Cornerback Shuwan Lurry was selected as a 1st team All-American by several outlets, after finishing the season with an FBS leading nine interceptions.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-shawun-lurry-northern-illinois-all-america-spt-1215-20151214-story.html|title= Northern Illinois' Shawun Lurry named first-team All-America|website= [[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> |
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The following season the Huskies went 5-7, attaining only their 2nd losing season since 2000.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url= https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/index.html|title= Northern Illinois Huskies Football Record by Year}}</ref> In the offseason, Wide Receiver [[Kenny Golladay]] was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round of the NFL draft after back-to-back 1000 yard receiving seasons for NIU.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://niuhuskies.com/news/2017/4/28/football-kenny-golladay-drafted-by-the-detroit-lions|title= Kenny Golladay Drafted by the Detroit Lions}}</ref> |
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On September 16, 2017 the Huskies defeated Nebraska 21-17, giving them a 6-4 record in their last 10 games against Big Ten opponents, 4-1 in their last 5.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://niuhuskies.com/sports/2016/6/13/sports-m-footbl-spec-rel-historic-wins-html.aspx#:~:text=Northern%20Illinois%20University%20Athletics&text=Northern%20Illinois%20has%20collected%20%22Boneyard,road%20in%20the%20same%20season.|title = Football}}</ref> NIU finished 2017 with an 8-6 record after losing to Duke 36-14 in the Quick Lane Bowl.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/2017-schedule.html|title= 2017 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results}}</ref> Defensive lineman [[Sutton Smith]] set a Huskie record for sacks (14), and led the nation in tackles for loss (29.5) and quarterback pressures (87).<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.mystateline.com/sports/northern-illinois-sutton-smith-drafted-by-the-pittsburgh-steelers/|title= Northern Illinois' Sutton Smith drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers|date= April 27, 2019}}</ref> He was named a consensus All-American at the end of the season. |
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In 2018, NIU clinched its first MAC West division title since 2015. The Huskies defeated Buffalo 30-29 in the MAC Championship game after trailing by 19 points in the 3rd quarter. This was NIU's 4th MAC title since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football/2018/11/30/18120644/huskies-shock-bulls-complete-19-point-comeback-to-win-30-29|title= Huskies shock Bulls, complete 19-point comeback to win 30-29|date= November 30, 2018}}</ref> NIU was defeated by UAB 37-13 in the Boca Raton Bowl, giving NIU their 6th consecutive bowl game loss and 5th bowl game under Rod Carey where they were defeated by at least 21 points.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/2018-schedule.html|title= 2018 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results}}</ref> Sutton Smith had another strong season, once again leading the nation in tackles for loss (27) and finishing third in sacks (15). He was named a 1st team All-American for the 2nd straight year by several outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hustlebelt.com/2019/4/27/18520293/steelers-select-northern-illinois-olb-sutton-smith-175th-overall#:~:text=He%20led%20the%20FBS%20in,in%202018%20with%2015.0%20sacks.|title = Steelers select Northern Illinois OLB Sutton Smith 175th overall|date = April 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hustlebelt.com/2018/12/10/18135397/northern-illinois-defensive-end-sutton-smith-racks-up-three-all-american-selections|title= Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith racks up three All-American selections|date= December 10, 2018}}</ref> |
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On January 11, 2019, it was announced that Rod Carey had accepted the head coaching position at Temple University after six seasons as NIU's head football coach.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://news.temple.edu/news/2019-01-11/rod-carey-selected-temple-s-head-football-coach|title= Rod Carey selected as Temple's head football coach|date= January 11, 2019}}</ref> |
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In their search for a new football coach, NIU's potential candidates included Baltimore Ravens RB coach [[Thomas Hammock]] (former NIU RB), former Maryland OC [[Matt Canada]] (former NIU OC), SMU DC [[Kevin Kane (American football)|Kevin Kane]] (former NIU DC), and Wisconsin OC [[Joe Rudolph]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-northern-illinois-coaching-search-20190114-story.html|title= More names have emerged in Northern Illinois coaching search, reports say|website= [[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> |
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=== Thomas Hammock era (2019–present) === |
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On January 18, 2019, NIU announced the hiring of Thomas Hammock as the new head football coach. Hammock was a running back for the Huskies from 1999-2002 and was most recently the running backs coach for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2018. At his first press conference as NIU's head coach, Hammock stated that coaching at NIU "had always been [his] dream."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20190118/former-niu-star-hammock-gets-his-dream-job-in-coaching-huskies |title=Former NIU star Hammock gets his dream job in coaching Huskies |date=January 18, 2019 }}</ref> |
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Huskies Football enter the 2008 season having produced a 1,000 yard rusher in nine consecutive seasons from 1999 through 2007, including rushers Thomas Hammock, Michael Turner, Garrett Wolfe and Justin Anderson. |
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In Hammock's first year at the helm, the Huskies finished 5-7 including a 4-4 record in MAC play.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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===The Joe Novak Era (1996-2007)=== |
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[[Joe Novak]] took over the Huskie program in December 1995, and coached his first NIU game in September 1996. The first 3 years of Novak's tenure proved to be tumultuous, as his Huskie squads won a total of 3 games between 1996 and 1998. Despite this, Novak kept his job and turned the program around. In 1999, Northern Illinois won 5 games, and in 2000 Novak started a string of 7 consecutive winning seasons, going 6-5 in both 2000 and 2001. After a 1-3 start to the 2002 season, fans began to see the fruits of Novak's labor as the team ripped off 7 consecutive wins, and only a 33-30 loss in their final game against rival Toledo prevented a MAC Championship Game appearance. |
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In a pandemic shortened 2020 season, NIU finished 0-6 with one of the youngest teams in the nation. This marked their first winless season since 1999.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.mystateline.com/sports/local-sports/hammock-encouraged-by-growth-of-young-niu-players-despite-0-4-record/|title= Hammock encouraged by growth of young NIU players despite 0-4 record|date= December 2, 2020}}</ref> |
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Optimism was high to start the 2003 season, with 12 returning starters including prospect and future NFL players [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]], [[Doug Free]], Brad Cieslak, P.J. Fleck, Dan Sheldon, Keith Perry, Vinson Reynolds, Akil Grant, Randee Drew, and Travis Moore. On opening weekend, the Huskies beat #14 Maryland 20-17 in overtime. Then, the Huskies traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat #21 Alabama 16-13. After beating Iowa State the following week, the Huskies were rolling and won their first 7 games. Following their week 5 win against Ohio, the first BCS standings were released, and by week 7 the Huskies had climbed to #10 overall. Novak and the Huskies could not keep that momentum going, as they lost in week 8 at #22 Bowling Green, which also featured the first ever ESPN GameDay appearance for a MAC football game. The Huskies would lose only one more game in 2003, to Toledo, finishing the year 10-2, unranked, and uninvited to a bowl game. |
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[[File:UM UNI 09.18.21 833 (51495077177).jpg|thumb|right|Northern Illinois at [[Michigan Stadium]] in 2021]] |
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Expectations were low for the 2021 season following a disappointing 2020. Michigan State QB Rocky Lombardi announced that he would be transferring to NIU in December 2020, and he was named the starting QB to enter the season.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-northern-illinois-football-rocky-lombardi-transfer-20201227-2qiykm4yfzg63bhdo5ep7firai-story.html#:~:text=Northern%20Illinois%20is%20adding%20quarterback%20Rocky%20Lombardi%2C%20a%20transfer%20from%20Michigan%20State&text=Rocky%20Lombardi%2C%20who%20started%20six,had%20entered%20the%20transfer%20portal.|title = Northern Illinois is adding quarterback Rocky Lombardi, a transfer from Michigan State|website = [[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> NIU opened the year as an 18 point underdog to Georgia Tech, but defeated the Yellow Jackets 22-21.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/georgia-tech-stunned-by-northern-illinois/O23MRKXZ3JDAVIBINMT6H6AB24/|title= Georgia Tech stunned by Northern Illinois|newspaper= The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last1= Sugiura|first1= Ken}}</ref> This marked their 12th victory over a Power 5 program since 2000 and 8th since 2009. The Huskies claimed their 5th MAC title since 2011 with a 41-23 victory over Kent State.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://fbschedules.com/northern-illinois-football-schedule/|title= 2021 Northern Illinois Football Schedule}}</ref> After their win in the MAC championship, NIU was selected to play in the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina, a game they lost 47-41. |
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Novak's 2004 and 2006 teams both went to bowl games. The 2004 team went to the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, California and was the first Huskie team to go bowling in 21 years. The Huskies fell behind early 14-0 to a Troy team that featured current NFLer [[DeMarcus Ware]], but were able to rally behind future NFL running back [[Garrett Wolfe]] and the accurate passing of Josh Haldi to win 34-21. In 2006, Wolfe and company returned to a bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, against [[TCU]] and lost 37-7. |
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Novak's final year was a tough one, winning only 2 games and finishing at the bottom of the MAC West. Overall Novak won 63 games as the Huskie's head coach. He currently is retired and resides in North Carolina. |
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During the 2024-2025 season, Hammock's sixth year, NIU beat the [[University of Notre Dame]] during the [[Notre_Dame_Fighting_Irish_football|Fighting Irish]]'s home opener in [[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], 16-14, with two interceptions and two blocked kicks. Notre Dame was ranked #5 at the time, making it the biggest upset in the history of Huskie football, the school's only top-10 win to date (all-time 1-14 against top 10), and the first ever top-5 win by the [[Mid-American Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/northern-illinois-stuns-no-5-notre-dame-for-first-ever-win-over-a-top-10-team-224835461.html|title=Northern Illinois stuns No. 5 Notre Dame for first-ever win over a top-10 team|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|last=Bromberg|first=Nick|date=September 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/northern-illinois-shocks-no-5-notre-dame-on-late-field-goal-for-macs-first-win-vs-top-five-team-in-history/|title= Northern Illinois shocks No. 5 Notre Dame on late field goal for MAC's first win vs. top-five team in history|date= September 7, 2024}}</ref> NIU finished their season with a double overtime victory over [[Fresno State Bulldogs football|Fresno State]] in the [[2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl|Famous Idaho Potato Bowl]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401677086|title= Dimopoulos shines in double OT and Northern Illinois beats Fresno State 28-20 in Idaho Potato Bowl|date= December 23, 2024}}</ref> |
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===The Jerry Kill Era (2008-2010)=== |
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[[Jerry Kill]] was hired to replace the retiring Joe Novak after the 2007 season. Kill was previously the head coach at [[Southern Illinois University]], an [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] football program, making NIU his first [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] head coaching job. Kill led the Huskies to three straight bowl appearances in his three years as head coach, all three with quarterback Chandler Harnish. In 2010, Kill led the Huskies to the [[2010 MAC Championship Game| MAC Championship]], but NIU fell to [[2010 Miami RedHawks football team|Miami (Ohio)]]. On December 5, 2010, the day after NIU's loss in the MAC Championship, Kill tendered his immediate resignation and accepted the position of head coach of the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football team| Minnesota Golden Gophers]]. This left the Huskies without a coach, less than two weeks before they were to appear in the [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl]]. In an interview after his departure caused some backlash, Kill offered an explanation as to why his acceptance of the Minnesota job came so suddenly, but provided no clarification as to why his resignation could not have waited 13 days, until after the Huskies completed their season.<ref>http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2010/12/15/kill-i-did-the-best-i-could/a1unj5o/</ref> |
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==Conference affiliations== |
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Despite Kill's departure, the Huskies were able to accomplish without Kill what they could never do ''with'' him: They won their bowl game, crushing [[Fresno State]] in the [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl]]. In fact, the Huskies have gone to and been victorious in a bowl game every season since Kill's departure. |
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Northern Illinois has been a member of the following conferences.<ref name="2017MG">{{cite web|title=2017 NIU Media Guide|url=http://www.niuhuskies.com/documents/2017/9/12/NIU_Football_2017_Media_Guide.pdf|website=niuhuskies.com|publisher=Northern Illinois Athletics|access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref>{{rp|182}}{{better source needed|date=December 2018}} |
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* Independent (1899–1919) |
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===The Dave Doeren Era (2011-present)=== |
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* [[Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] (1922–1925)<ref>{{cite web |title=NIU Football 2020 Record Book |url=https://niuhuskies.com/documents/2020/12/2/NIU_Football_2020_Record_Book.pdf |publisher=Northern Illinois University Athletics |access-date=September 11, 2021 |page=185}}</ref> <!-- "Little 19"--> |
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Despite fears that losing Jerry Kill to the Big Ten Gophers might hurt the Huskies, under Coach Doeren the Huskies have actually ''improved'' their level of performance. The Huskies went 11-3 in Doeren's first season, defeating the [[Arkansas State Red Wolves]] in a come-from-behind thriller in the 2012 [[GoDaddy.com Bowl]]. |
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* Independent (1926–1927) |
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* Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1928–1965) |
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* Independent (1966–1974) |
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* [[Mid-American Conference]] (1975–1985) |
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* Independent (1986–1992) |
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* [[Big West Conference]] (1993–1995) |
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* Independent (1996) |
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* [[Mid-American Conference]] (1997–present) |
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==Championships== |
==Championships== |
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===National championships=== |
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* 1963 - [[NCAA_Division_II_National_Football_Championship|NCAA College Division]] |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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'''Conference Championships''' |
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|- |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Year|Division|Coach|Selectors|Record|Conf. Record}} |
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|- |
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| [[1963 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1963]] || [[NCAA Division II National Football Championship|NCAA College Division]] || [[Howard Fletcher]] || [[Associated Press]] || 10–0 || 4–0 |
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|} |
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===Conference championships=== |
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* 1938 - Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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Conference championships won by Northern Illinois as of 2021. |
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* 1941 - Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Co-Champions |
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* 1944 - Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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* 1946 - Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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* 1951 - Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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* 1963 - Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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* 1964 - Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Co-Champions |
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* 1965 - Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions |
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* 1983 - Mid-American Athletic Conference Champions |
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* [[2011 MAC Championship Game|2011]] - Mid-American Athletic Conference Champions |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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'''Division Championships''' |
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|- |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Year|Conference|Coach|Record|Conf. Record}} |
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|- |
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| [[1938 Northern Illinois State Evansmen football team|1938]] || rowspan="2" | [[Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] || rowspan="3"|[[Chick Evans (coach)|Chick Evans]] || 6–1–1 || 4–0 |
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|- |
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<!-- | [[1941 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1941]]† || [[Chick Evans (coach)|Chick Evans]] || 7–1–1 ||3–1 not in 2017MG cite --> |
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|- |
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| [[1944 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1944]] || 7–0 ||3–0 |
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|- |
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<!-- | [[1946 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1946]] || Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference || Chick Evans || 9–2 ||4–0 not in 2017MG cite --> |
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| [[1951 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1951]] || rowspan="4" | [[Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] || 9–0 || 6–0 |
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|- |
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| [[1963 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1963]] || rowspan="3"|[[Howard Fletcher]] || 10–0 || 4–0 |
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|- |
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| [[1964 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1964]]† || 7–2 || 3–1 |
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|- |
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| [[1965 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1965]] || 9–1 || 4–0 |
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|- |
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| [[1983 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1983]] || rowspan="6" | [[Mid-American Conference]] || [[Bill Mallory]] || 10–2 || 8–1 |
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|- |
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| [[2011 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2011]] || rowspan="2"|[[Dave Doeren]] || 11–3 || 7–1 |
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|- |
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| [[2012 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2012]] || 12–1 || 8–0 |
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|- |
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| [[2014 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2014]] || rowspan="2"|[[Rod Carey]] || 11–3 || 7–1 |
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|- |
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| [[2018 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2018]] || 8–6 || 6–2 |
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|- |
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| [[2021 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2021]] || [[Thomas Hammock]] || 9–5 || 6–2 |
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|} |
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† Co-champions |
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===Division championships=== |
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* 2005 - MAC - West Division Champions |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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* 2010 - MAC - West Division Champions<ref>http://www.niuhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112010aaa.html</ref> |
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|- |
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* 2011 - MAC - West Division Champions |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Year|Division|Coach|Opponent|CG result}} |
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|- |
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| [[2001 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2001]]† || rowspan="12" | MAC West || rowspan="4"|[[Joe Novak]] || colspan=2 | ''N/A lost tiebreaker to [[2001 Toledo Rockets football team|Toledo]]'' |
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|- |
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| [[2002 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2002]]† || colspan=2 | ''N/A lost tiebreaker to [[2002 Toledo Rockets football team|Toledo]]'' |
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|- |
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| [[2004 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2004]]† || colspan=2 | ''N/A lost tiebreaker to [[2004 Toledo Rockets football team|Toledo]]'' |
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|- |
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| [[2005 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2005]] || [[2005 Akron Zips football team|Akron]] || L 30–31 |
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|- |
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| [[2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2010]] || [[Jerry Kill]] || [[2010 Miami RedHawks football team|Miami]] || L 21–26 |
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|- |
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| [[2011 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2011]]† || rowspan="2"|[[Dave Doeren]] || [[2011 Ohio Bobcats football team|Ohio]] || '''W''' 23–20 |
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|- |
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| [[2012 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2012]] || [[2012 Kent State Golden Flashes football team|Kent State]] || '''W''' 44–37<sup>2OT</sup> |
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|- |
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| [[2013 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2013]] || rowspan="4"|[[Rod Carey]] || [[2013 Bowling Green Falcons football team|Bowling Green]] || L 27–47 |
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|- |
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| [[2014 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2014]]† || [[2014 Bowling Green Falcons football team|Bowling Green]] || '''W''' 51–17 |
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|- |
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| [[2015 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2015]]† || [[2015 Bowling Green Falcons football team|Bowling Green]] || L 14–34 |
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|- |
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| [[2018 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2018]] || [[2018 Buffalo Bulls football team|Buffalo]] || '''W''' 30–29 |
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|- |
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| [[2021 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2021]]† || [[Thomas Hammock]] || [[2021 Kent State Golden Flashes football team|Kent State]] || '''W''' 41–23 |
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|} |
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† Co-champions |
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== |
==Bowl games== |
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Northern Illinois has played in 16 bowl games, having a record of 6–10. |
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{| border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ '''Division I-A Bowl Games''' |
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!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Year !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Bowl Game !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Result !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Opponent !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Score |
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|- |
|- |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Season|Bowl|Opponent|Result}} |
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| [[2011 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2011]] || align="center"|[[2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl|GoDaddy.com Bowl]] || align="center"|'''W''' || align="center"|[[2011 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team|Arkansas State]] || align="center"|38-20 |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[1983 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1983]] || [[1983 California Bowl|California Bowl]] || [[1983 Cal State Fullerton Titans football team|Cal State-Fullerton]] || '''W''' 20–13 |
||
|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[2004 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2004]] || [[2004 Silicon Valley Classic|Silicon Valley Classic]] || [[2004 Troy State Trojans football team|Troy]] || '''W''' 34–21 |
||
|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[2006 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2006]] || [[2006 Poinsettia Bowl|Poinsettia Bowl]] || [[2006 TCU Horned Frogs football team|TCU]] || L 7–37 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
| [[2008 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2008]] || [[2008 Independence Bowl|Independence Bowl]] || [[2008 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team|Louisiana Tech]] || L 10–17 |
||
|- |
|- |
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| [[2009 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2009]] || [[2010 International Bowl|International Bowl]] || [[2009 South Florida Bulls football team|South Florida]] || L 3–27 |
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| 2004 || align="center"|[[2004 Silicon Valley Classic|Silicon Valley Classic]] || align="center"|'''W''' || align="center"|[[Troy Trojans#Football|Troy State]] || align="center"|34–21 |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2010]] || [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl|Humanitarian Bowl]] || [[2010 Fresno State Bulldogs football team|Fresno State]] || '''W''' 40–17 |
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| 1983 || align="center"|[[California Bowl]] || align="center"|'''W''' || align="center"|[[Cal State Fullerton Titans football|Cal State-Fullerton]] || align="center"|20–13 |
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|- |
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| [[2011 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2011]] || [[2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl|GoDaddy.com Bowl]] || [[2011 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team|Arkansas State]] || '''W''' 38–20 |
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|- |
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| [[2012 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2012]] || [[2013 Orange Bowl|Orange Bowl]] || [[2012 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] || L 10–31 |
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|- |
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| [[2013 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2013]] || [[2013 Poinsettia Bowl|Poinsettia Bowl]] || [[2013 Utah State Aggies football team|Utah State]] || L 14–21 |
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|- |
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| [[2014 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2014]] || [[2014 Boca Raton Bowl|Boca Raton Bowl]] || [[2014 Marshall Thundering Herd football team|Marshall]] || L 23–52 |
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|- |
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| [[2015 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2015]] || [[2015 Poinsettia Bowl|Poinsettia Bowl]] || [[2015 Boise State Broncos football team|Boise State]] || L 7–55 |
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|- |
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| [[2017 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2017]] || [[2017 Quick Lane Bowl|Quick Lane Bowl]] || [[2017 Duke Blue Devils football team|Duke]] || L 14–36 |
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|- |
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| [[2018 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2018]] || [[2018 Boca Raton Bowl|Boca Raton Bowl]] || [[2018 UAB Blazers football team|UAB]] || L 13–37 |
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|- |
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| [[2021 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2021]] || [[2021 Cure Bowl|Cure Bowl]] || [[2021 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team|Coastal Carolina]] || L 41–47 |
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|- |
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| [[2023 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2023]] || [[2023 Camellia Bowl|Camellia Bowl]] || [[2023 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team|Arkansas State]] || ''' W''' 21–19 |
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|- |
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| [[2024 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|2024]] || [[2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl|Famous Idaho Potato Bowl]] || [[2024 Fresno State Bulldogs football team|Fresno State]] || '''W''' 28–20 |
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|} |
|} |
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;Other bowl games |
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{| border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" |
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In years prior to having classifications for college football, Northern Illinois participated in five bowl games that are now considered as "College Division". They played in five bowl games, having a record of 1–4. |
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|+ '''College Division/Other Bowl Games''' |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Year !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Bowl Game !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Result !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Opponent !!bgcolor="#e5e5e5"| Score |
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|- |
|- |
||
{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Season|Bowl|Opponent|Result}} |
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| 1965 || align="center"|[[Mineral Water Bowl]] || align="center"|L || align="center"|North Dakota || align="center"|20–37 |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[1946 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1946]] || [[Turkey Bowl (college)|Turkey Bowl]]|| [[Evansville Purple Aces|Evansville]] || L 7–19 |
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| 1963 || align="center"|Mineral Water Bowl || align="center"|'''W''' || align="center"|Missouri State || align="center"|21–14 |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[1947 Northern Illinois State Huskies football team|1947]] || [[Hoosier Bowl]]|| Evansville || L 0–20 |
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| 1962 || align="center"|Mineral Water Bowl || align="center"|L || align="center"|Adams State || align="center"|20–23 |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[1962 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1962]] || [[Mineral Water Bowl]] || [[Adams State Grizzlies|Adams State]] || L 20–23 |
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| 1947 || align="center"|[[Hoosier Bowl]] || align="center"|L || align="center"|Evansville || align="center"|0–20 |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[1963 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1963]] || Mineral Water Bowl || [[Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears|Missouri State]] || '''W''' 21–14 |
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| 1946 || align="center"|[[Turkey Bowl]] || align="center"|L || align="center"|Evansville || align="center"|7–19 |
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|- |
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| [[1965 Northern Illinois Huskies football team|1965]] || Mineral Water Bowl || [[North Dakota Fighting Hawks football|North Dakota]] || L 20–37 |
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|} |
|} |
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==Head coaches== |
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==Coaches/Team Officials<ref>http://www.niuhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/niu-m-footbl-mtt.html#coaches</ref> == |
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Career records of NIU head coaches.<ref name="2017MG" />{{rp|183}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/northern-illinois/coaches.html|title=Northern Illinois Huskies Coaches}}</ref> |
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*[[Dave Doeren]] - Head Coach |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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*[[Mike Dunbar]] - Offensive Coordinator |
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|- |
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*Ryan Nielsen - Co-Defensive Coord./Defensive Line/Recruiting Coord. |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Coach|Tenure|Games|Record|Pct.}} |
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*Jay Niemann - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties |
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|- |
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*Rod Carey - Assistant Coach/Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator |
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| [[John A. H. Keith]] || 1899–1903 || 29 || 17–7–5 || {{winpct|17|7|5}} |
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*Bob Cole - Assistant Coach/Quarterbacks |
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|- |
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*Frisman Jackson - Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers |
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| [[Dixie Fleager]] || 1904 || 5 || 5–0 || {{winpct|5|0|0}} |
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*Kevin Kane - Assistant Coach/Linebackers |
|||
|- |
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*Richard McNutt - Assistant Coach/Cornerbacks |
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| [[Harry Sauthoff]] || 1905 || 5 || 3–1–1 || {{winpct|3|1|1}} |
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*Joe Tripodi - Graduate Assistant/Tight Ends & Fullbacks |
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|- |
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*Mike Uremovich - Assistant Coach/Running Backs/Special Teams Coord. |
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| [[Nelson A. Kellogg]] || 1906–1909 || 28 || 8–17–3 || {{winpct|8|17|3}} |
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*Brad Ohrt - Director of Sports Performance |
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|- |
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*Matt Lipman - Director of Football Operations |
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| [[William Wirtz (American football)|William Wirtz]] || 1910–1916 || 59 || 33–17–9 || {{winpct|33|17|9}} |
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*Joe McKillip - Graduate Assistant/Operations |
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|- |
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*Zach Opsal - Graduate Assistant/Video |
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| ''No team'' || 1917–1919 || || || |
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*Peter Roley - Asst. Dir. Football Operations/Video |
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|- |
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| [[Paul Harrison (1920s American football coach)|Paul Harrison]] || 1920–1922 || 26 || 11–14–1 || {{winpct|11|14|1}} |
|||
|- |
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| [[William Muir (coach)|William Muir]] || 1923–1925 || 23 || 11–9–3 || {{winpct|11|9|3}} |
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|- |
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| [[Roland Cowell]] || 1926–1928 || 20 || 6–11–3 || {{winpct|6|11|3}} |
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|- |
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| [[Chick Evans (coach)|Chick Evans]] || 1929–1954 || 222 || 132–70–20 || {{winpct|132|70|20}} |
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|- |
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| [[Bob Kahler]] || 1955 || 9 || 0–8–1 || {{winpct|0|8|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Howard Fletcher]] || 1956–1968 || 123 || 74–48–1 || {{winpct|74|48|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Doc Urich]] || 1969–1970 || 20 || 6–14 || {{winpct|6|14|0}} |
|||
|- |
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| [[Jerry Ippoliti]] || 1971–1975 || 55 || 25–29–1 || {{winpct|25|29|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Pat Culpepper]] || 1976–1979 || 44 || 14–29–1 || {{winpct|14|29|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Bill Mallory]] || 1980–1983 || 44 || 25–19 || {{winpct|25|19|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Lee Corso]] || 1984 || 11 || 4–6–1 || {{winpct|4|6|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Jerry Pettibone]] || 1985–1990 || 66 || 33–32–1 || {{winpct|33|32|1}} |
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|- |
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| [[Charlie Sadler]] || 1991–1995 || 55 || 18–37 || {{winpct|18|37|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Joe Novak]] || 1996–2007 || 139 || 63–76 || {{winpct|63|76|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Jerry Kill]] || 2008–2010 || 39 || 23–16 || {{winpct|23|16|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Tom Matukewicz]]† || 2010 || 1 || 1–0 || {{winpct|1|0|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Dave Doeren]] || 2011–2012 || 27 || 23–4 || {{winpct|23|4|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Rod Carey]]‡ || 2012–2018 || 81 || 52–29 || {{winpct|52|29|0}} |
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|- |
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| [[Thomas Hammock]] || 2019–present || 57 || 26–33 || {{winpct|26|33|0}} |
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|} |
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† Interim head coach for [[2010 Humanitarian Bowl]] |
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‡ Interim head coach for [[2013 Orange Bowl]] |
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==Notable Alumni in NFL== |
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* [[Chandler Harnish]] - [[Indianapolis Colts]] (2012-present), QB |
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==Rivalries== |
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* [[Nathan Palmer]] - [[San Francisco 49ers]] (2012-present), WR |
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===Ball State=== |
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* [[Scott Wedige]] - [[Arizona Cardinals]] (2012-present), C |
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{{main|Bronze Stalk Trophy}} |
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* [[Pat Schiller]] - [[Atlanta Falcons]] (2012-present), ILB |
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* [[Justin McCareins]] - [[Tennessee Titans]] (2001–2003, 2008), [[New York Jets]] (2004–2007), WR |
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Northern Illinois holds a 25–23–2 series lead over [[Ball State Cardinals football|Ball State]] through the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/northern-illinois/vs/ball-state|title=Winsipedia - Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals football series history}}</ref> |
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* [[Ryan Diem]] - [[Indianapolis Colts]] (2001-2012), T |
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* [[Chad Spann]] - [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] (2011-present), RB |
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== Individual honors == |
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* [[Larry English]] - [[San Diego Chargers]] (2009–present), OLB |
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=== Retired jerseys === |
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* [[Doug Free]] - [[Dallas Cowboys]] (2007–present), T |
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NIU has not retired any number but has honored the jerseys of four former players retiring them.<ref name="2017MG" />{{RP|150–151}} |
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* [[Sam Hurd]] - [[Dallas Cowboys]] (2006–2010), [[Chicago Bears]] (2011), WR |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
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* [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] - [[San Diego Chargers]] (2004–2007), [[Atlanta Falcons]] (2008–present), RB |
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|- |
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* [[Garrett Wolfe]] - [[Chicago Bears]] (2007–2010), RB |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|No.|Name|Position|Years|Ret.}} |
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* [[Britt Davis]] - [[Denver Broncos]] (2010–2011), WR |
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|- |
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* [[Jake Nordin]] - [[Detroit Lions]] (2009–2010), TE/FB |
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| '''6''' || [[Dave Petzke]] || [[Split end|SE]] || 1977–1978 || |
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* [[Hollis Thomas]] - [[Philadelphia Eagles]] (1996–2005), [[New Orleans Saints]] (2006–2008), [[St. Louis Rams]] (2009), [[Carolina Panthers]] (2009), DT |
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|- |
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* [[Larry Brink]] - [[Los Angeles Rams]] (1948-1953), [[Chicago Bears]] (1954), DE |
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| '''11''' || [[George Bork]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1960–1963 || 1983 |
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|- |
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| '''12''' || Bob Heimerdinger || QB || 1948–1951 || 1951 |
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|- |
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| '''31''' || [[Mark Kellar]] || [[Fullback (gridiron football)|FB]] || 1971–1973 || 1973 |
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|} |
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=== College Football Hall of Fame === |
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There have been two former NIU players inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="2017MG" />{{RP|152}} |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
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|- |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Name|Position|Years|Inducted|Ref.}} |
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|- |
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| [[George Bork]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1960–1963 || 1999 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1932|title = George Bork (1999) - Hall of Fame}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [[Tom Beck (American football)|Tom Beck]]† || QB/[[Halfback (American football)|HB]] || 1959–1961 || 2004 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2134|title = Tom Beck (2004) - Hall of Fame}}</ref> |
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|} |
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† Inducted as a coach |
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===Heisman Trophy=== |
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Finishes for Northern Illinois players: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|Year|Name|Position|Finish}} |
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|- |
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| 1963 || [[George Bork]] || QB || UA |
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|- |
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| 1990 || Stacey Robinson || QB || 38th |
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|- |
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| 1993 || [[LeShon Johnson]] || RB || 6th |
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|- |
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| 2003 || [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] || RB || 18th |
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|- |
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| 2006 || [[Garrett Wolfe]] || RB || 11th |
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|- |
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| 2012 || [[Jordan Lynch]] ||QB || 7th |
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|- |
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| 2013 || [[Jordan Lynch]] || QB || 3rd |
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|- |
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|} |
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=== Consensus All-Americans === |
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*[[LeShon Johnson]], 1993 |
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*[[Sutton Smith]], 2017 |
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===NCAA Rushing Leaders (By Year) === |
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*[[Mark Kellar]] Year: 1973 Rushing Yards: 1719 |
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*[[Stacie Robinson]] Year 1990 Rushing Touchdowns: 19 |
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*[[Leshon Johnson]] Year:1993 Rushing Yards: 1976 |
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*[[Garret Wolfe]] Year: 2006 Rushing Yards: 1928 |
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*[[Chad Spann]] Year: 2010 Rushing Touchdowns: 22 |
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_major_college_football_yearly_rushing_leaders |
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==NIU and the NFL== |
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{{Main|List of Northern Illinois Huskies in the NFL draft}} |
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== Future non-conference opponents == |
== Future non-conference opponents == |
||
Announced schedules as of August 11, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/northern-illinois/ |title=Northern Illinois Huskies Future Football Schedules |website=FBSchedules.com |access-date=October 23, 2019}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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|-style="background: #CE1445" align=center |
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{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Northern Illinois Huskies|2024|2025|2026|2027|2028|2029|2030|2031|2032}} |
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| <font color=white>'''2012''' || <font color=white>'''2013''' || <font color=white>'''2014''' || <font color=white>'''2015''' || <font color=white>'''2016''' || <font color=white>'''2017''' || <font color=white>'''2018''' |
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|- |
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|-align=center |
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| [[Western Illinois Leathernecks football|Western Illinois]] |
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| vs [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] || at [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] || at [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons football|Wake Forest]] || at [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] || at [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]] || || at [[Iowa State Cyclones football|Iowa State]] |
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| [[Holy Cross Crusaders football|Holy Cross]] |
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|-align=center |
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| at [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] |
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| vs [[UT Martin Skyhawks football|UT Martin]] || at [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue]] || vs [[Idaho Vandals football|Idaho]] || [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]] || || || |
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| at [[Nebraska Cornhuskers football|Nebraska]]<!--2027--> |
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|-align=center |
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| at [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] |
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| at [[Army Black Knights football|Army]] || vs [[Eastern Illinois Panthers football|Eastern Illinois]] || || || || || |
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| at [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] |
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|-align=center |
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| [[Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football|Middle Tennessee]] |
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| vs [[Kansas Jayhawks football|Kansas]] || at [[Idaho Vandals football|Idaho]] || || || || || |
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| at [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]] |
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| at [[Missouri Tigers football|Missouri]]<!--2032--> |
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|- |
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| at [[Notre Dame Irish football|Notre Dame]] |
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| at [[Maryland Terrapins football|Maryland]] |
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| [[Illinois State Redbirds football|Illinois State]] |
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| at [[Colorado Buffaloes football|Colorado]]<!--2027--> |
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| at [[Missouri Tigers football|Missouri]] |
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| at [[Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football|Middle Tennessee]] |
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| [[BYU Cougars football|BYU]] |
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| |
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|<!--2032--> |
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|- |
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| at [[NC State Wolfpack football|NC State]] |
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| at [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Mississippi State]] |
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| at [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] |
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| [[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida]]<!--2027--> |
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| |
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| [[Missouri Tigers football|Missouri]] |
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| |
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| |
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|<!--2032--> |
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|- |
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| [[UMass Minutemen football|UMass]] |
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| [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]] |
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| |
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| [[New Mexico State Aggies football|New Mexico State]]<!--2027--> |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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|<!--2032--> |
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|- |
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|} |
|} |
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<ref name="nonconfopp">{{cite web| title=Northern Illinois Huskies Football Schedules and Future Schedules|publisher=fbschedules.com| url=http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa/mid-amer/northern-illinois-huskies.php|accessdate=2012-01-27}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
||
{{ |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
||
* [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex ESPN NCAA Football Rankings] |
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* [http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2006/Internet/conf%20stats/2006000000875TD.HTML NCAA.org's 2006 Mid-American Team Report] |
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* [http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/mac/northern_illinois/index.php NIU Huskies Historical Data] |
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* [http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/alumni-tracker/school/1559 Northern Illinois Alumni Tracker] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
||
{{Commons category}} |
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* [http://www.niuhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/niu-m-footbl-body.html NIUHuskies.com/Football] |
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* {{Official website}} |
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* [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/mac/nillinois.htm NIU Huskies Football on USA Today] |
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{{Northern Illinois Huskies football navbox}} |
{{Northern Illinois Huskies football navbox}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Northern Illinois Huskies Football}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Northern Illinois Huskies Football}} |
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[[Category:Northern Illinois Huskies football| |
[[Category:Northern Illinois Huskies football| ]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:American football teams established in 1899]] |
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[[Category:1899 establishments in Illinois]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:55, 24 December 2024
| Northern Illinois Huskies football | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
 | |||
| First season | 1899; 125 years ago | ||
| Athletic director | Sean Frazier | ||
| Head coach | Thomas Hammock 6th season, 31–38 (.449) | ||
| Stadium | Huskie Stadium (capacity: 28,211) | ||
| Field | Brigham Field | ||
| Year built | 1965 | ||
| Field surface | AstroTurf[1] | ||
| Location | DeKalb, Illinois | ||
| NCAA division | Division I FBS | ||
| Conference | Mid-American | ||
| Division | West | ||
| Past conferences | Independent (1899–1919) IIAC (1920–24) Independent (1925–1927) IIAC (1928–1965) Independent (1966–1972) Mid-American (1973–1985) Independent (1986–1992) Big West (1993–1995) Independent (1996) | ||
| All-time record | 617–531–51[2] (.536) | ||
| Bowl record | 6–10 (.375) | ||
| Claimed national titles | 1 Div. II: (1963) | ||
| Conference titles | 12 (1938, 1944, 1951, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1983, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021) | ||
| Division titles | 12 (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021) | ||
| Rivalries | Ball State, Bronze Stalk Trophy Miami (OH), Mallory Cup }NCAA Rushing Leaders | ||
| Consensus All-Americans | 2 | ||
| Colors | Cardinal and black[3] | ||
| Fight song | "Huskie Fight Song"[4] | ||
| Mascot | Victor E. Huskie[5] | ||
| Marching band | The Pride of the Midwest[6] | ||
| Website | NIUHuskies.com | ||
The Northern Illinois Huskies football team are a college football program representing Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of college football. NIU football plays its home games at Huskie Stadium on the campus of the Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.
The Huskies compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a member of the West Division, where they have won six championships in 1983, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2021. They have played in twelve post-season bowl games since 2004, most notably the 2013 Orange Bowl.
History
[edit]Early history
[edit]
NIU's football program was established in the late 19th century, playing its first ever game against DeKalb High School in 1899 and was led by coach John L. Keith to the team's first ever victory. NIU started out in the independent scene from 1899 through 1919 before joining the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The team became independent again in 1925. NIU returned to the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1928 and finished the season winless for the first time. In 1929 however, Chick Evans took over as the head football coach and immediately twisted the downhill fate of his team as he led his squad to a 6–1–1 record. Evans led the Huskies to continuous winning seasons since his take over, and his efforts paid off in 1938 as NIU captured the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, the team's first title. He followed it up with three more championships (1941, '44, and '46) and even led the Huskies' to a back-to-back bowl game appearance in 1946 and 1947.
In 1950, the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which had dwindled down to only five members (NIU, SIU, EIU, WIU, and ISU) accepted its first members from out of state and changed its name to the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. With the exception of the spotless season (9–0–0) in 1951 that earned the team a 5th conference title, NIU failed to make a decent showing during the first few years in the newly named conference. Howard Fletcher though had other plans as he picked up the pieces of the miserable 0–8–1 season from Robert Kahler in 1956. The Huskies' had a slow progress that picked up in the late 1950s. The team's third bowl game appearance in 1962, although a loss, was only the beginning of good things to come as in the following season, the Huskies completed their sixth undefeated season which earned them the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, an AP College Division National championship selection, and a ticket to the prestigious Mineral Water Bowl which the team eventually won over Missouri State. The team made it a three-peat championship, adding up the 1964 and 1965 conference titles. NIU became independent from 1966 through '72 before joining the Mid-American Athletic Conference in 1973. The team claimed the MAC title in 1983 then went on to their first Bowl Game in the Division I-A, the California Bowl, which the Huskies won over Cal State-Fullerton. The team left the MAC after the 1985 season and first became independent from 1986 to 1992, then joined the Big West Conference from 1993 through '95, becoming independent again in '96, then finally was admitted back into the Mid-American Conference in 1997.
Joe Novak era (1996–2007)
[edit]Joe Novak took over the Huskies program in December 1995, and coached his first NIU game in September 1996. The first three years of Novak's tenure proved to be tumultuous, as his Huskies squads won a total of three games between 1996 and 1998. Despite this, Novak kept his job and turned the program around. On October 17, 1998, the Huskies broke their epic losing streak, by defeating Central Michigan University 17–6. The student body tore down the goal posts, and carried them down Lincoln Highway, planting the goal posts in a campus lagoon.[7] University president John LaTourette personally paid to have new goal posts installed. In 1999, NIU won 5 games, and in 2000 Novak started a string of seven consecutive winning seasons, going 6–5 in both 2000 and 2001. After a 1–3 start to the 2002 season, fans[who?] began to see the fruits of Novak's labor as the team ripped off 7 consecutive wins, and only a 33–30 loss in their final game against rival Toledo prevented a MAC Championship Game appearance.
Optimism was high to start the 2003 season,[citation needed] with 12 returning starters including prospect and future NFL players Michael Turner, Doug Free, Brad Cieslak, P. J. Fleck, Dan Sheldon, Keith Perry, Vinson Reynolds, Akil Grant, Randee Drew, and Travis Moore. On opening weekend, the Huskies beat No. 15 Maryland, 20–13, in overtime. Then, the Huskies traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat No. 21 Alabama, 16–13. After beating Iowa State the following week, the Huskies were rolling and won their first 7 games. Following their week 5 win against Ohio, the first BCS standings were released, and by week 7 the Huskies had climbed to No. 10 overall. Novak and the Huskies could not keep that momentum going, as they lost in week 8 at No. 22 Bowling Green, which also featured the first ever ESPN GameDay appearance for a MAC football game. The Huskies lost one more game in 2003, to Toledo, finishing the year 10–2, unranked, and uninvited to a bowl game.
Novak's 2004 and 2006 teams both went to bowl games. The 2004 team went to the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, California and was the first Huskies team to go bowling in 21 years. The Huskies fell behind early, 14–0, to a Troy team that featured DeMarcus Ware, but were able to rally behind future NFL running back Garrett Wolfe and the accurate passing of Josh Haldi to win, 34–21. In 2006, Wolfe and company returned to a bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, against TCU and lost 37–7.
Novak's final year was a tough one, winning only 2 games and finishing at the bottom of the MAC West. Overall Novak won 63 games as the Huskies' head coach. He currently[when?] is retired and resides in North Carolina.
The Huskies finished the 2007 season having produced a 1,000-yard rusher in the previous nine consecutive seasons, starting in 1999, including rushers Thomas Hammock, Michael Turner, Garrett Wolfe and Justin Anderson.
Jerry Kill era (2008–2010)
[edit]Jerry Kill was hired to replace the retiring Joe Novak after the 2007 season. Kill was previously the head coach at Southern Illinois University, an FCS football program, making NIU his first FBS head coaching job. Kill led the Huskies to three straight bowl appearances in his three years as head coach, all three with quarterback Chandler Harnish. In 2010, Kill led the Huskies to the MAC Championship, but NIU fell to Miami (Ohio). On December 5, 2010, the day after NIU's loss in the MAC Championship, Kill tendered his immediate resignation and accepted the position of head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Coach Kill's resignation would leave harsh feelings in the Huskie locker room, as the players learned of his resignation through email. This left the Huskies without a coach, less than two weeks before they were to appear in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl.
Despite Kill's departure, the Huskies won their bowl game, defeating Fresno State in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl.
Dave Doeren era (2011–2012)
[edit]On December 13, 2010, Dave Doeren was named the new head coach. The Huskies went 11–3 in his first season and they won their first MAC Championship since 1983 in a 23–20 comeback win against Ohio, while also defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves in a come-from-behind game in the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl.
Inclusive of the 2012 season, NIU had won 10 conference and three division titles, appeared in 13 Division I-A and College Division bowl games (winning five), had accumulated 535 wins, and has an all-time winning percentage of .533.[8]
2012 ended up being another memorable season in DeKalb, with the emergence of quarterback Jordan Lynch. Lynch was replacing Huskie QB Chandler Harnish, the decorated NIU starting QB for the previous three years. There was hope that Lynch would be a good quarterback, but no one could have predicted what Lynch ended up doing in the 2012 campaign. Lynch ended the season passing for 2962 yards, 24 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also ran for 1751 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. The 1751 rushing yards were the most ever by a quarterback in the FBS at the time, surpassing a record set in 2011 by Denard Robinson of the University of Michigan. Lynch's marquee game was on November 14 against Toledo, where Lynch threw for 407 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for another 162 yards. Lynch lead the Huskies to an 11–1 record, a No. 21 ranking in the BCS poll and their third consecutive MAC West Divisional Championship. In the MAC Championship Game, NIU defeated No. 17 Kent State Golden Flashes 44–37 score in double overtime. Lynch scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The win eventually propelled the team to No. 15 in the BCS Standings, granting them their first-ever appearance in a BCS bowl game, the 2013 Orange Bowl against Florida State.[9]
The day after the MAC Championship game, Doeren was hired as the new head coach for North Carolina State University.[10] Rod Carey took over and coached the Huskies in the Orange Bowl, but NIU eventually lost 31–10 to the Seminoles.[11] The Orange Bowl was the first of Carey's six bowl losses: Orange Bowl (2013), Poinsettia Bowl (2013 & 2015), the Boca Raton Bowl (2014 & 2018), and the Quick Lane Bowl (2017).[12][13]
On September 28, 2024 Doeren played against NIU for the first time in his career. Unfortunately NC State won the tight matchup, with a 17-24 win.
Rod Carey era (2013–2018)
[edit]Following a bitter end to the 2012 campaign, NIU looked to build their momentum in 2013. In front of two sellout crowds, the Huskies increased their NCAA record home win streak to 26 games. Following the conclusion of the regular season, NIU was poised to bust the BCS yet again. They sat 12–0 after cruising through their schedule, #14 in the BCS Standings, and were sitting above an AQ conference champion. Jordan Lynch became the first Huskie ever to be invited to the Heisman trophy ceremony in New York, finishing 3rd. Following their regular season, heartbreak happened for the Huskies. They lost both their conference championship, as well as their bowl game (Poinsettia Bowl) to finish the season 12–2, leaving Jordan Lynch with a career record of 24–4.[14]
Following the season, 3 Huskies had All-American honors. Jordan Lynch was a first team all purpose AP All American, Jimmie Ward was a first team Sports Illustrated (second team AP), and Tommylee Lewis was an honorable mention (AP).[15]
In 2014, the Huskies had another strong season despite the departure of Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch and NFL draft picks Jimmie Ward and Ken Bishop.[16] NIU beat Big Ten program Northwestern in September and defeated Bowling Green 51-17 in the MAC Championship Game to win their 3rd MAC title in four seasons. They lost the Boca Raton Bowl to Conference USA Champion Marshall 52-23. The Huskies finished 11-3, their 5th consecutive season where they won at least 11 games and received votes in the AP Top 25 poll during the season.[17]
In their 3rd game of 2015, the Huskies narrowly lost to defending National Champion and #1 ranked Ohio State 20-13 as 34.5 point underdogs, in a game that the Huskies didn't trail until halfway through the 3rd quarter.[18] NIU rattled off six consecutive wins to start MAC play, including a road win against #20 ranked Toledo, and won the MAC West division title for the 6th consecutive season. NIU ended the season with losses to Bowling Green in the MAC title game (34-14) and Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl (55-7) where NIU was outgained 654 to 33 yards.[19][20] Cornerback Shuwan Lurry was selected as a 1st team All-American by several outlets, after finishing the season with an FBS leading nine interceptions.[21]
The following season the Huskies went 5-7, attaining only their 2nd losing season since 2000.[22] In the offseason, Wide Receiver Kenny Golladay was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round of the NFL draft after back-to-back 1000 yard receiving seasons for NIU.[23]
On September 16, 2017 the Huskies defeated Nebraska 21-17, giving them a 6-4 record in their last 10 games against Big Ten opponents, 4-1 in their last 5.[24] NIU finished 2017 with an 8-6 record after losing to Duke 36-14 in the Quick Lane Bowl.[25] Defensive lineman Sutton Smith set a Huskie record for sacks (14), and led the nation in tackles for loss (29.5) and quarterback pressures (87).[26] He was named a consensus All-American at the end of the season.
In 2018, NIU clinched its first MAC West division title since 2015. The Huskies defeated Buffalo 30-29 in the MAC Championship game after trailing by 19 points in the 3rd quarter. This was NIU's 4th MAC title since 2011.[27] NIU was defeated by UAB 37-13 in the Boca Raton Bowl, giving NIU their 6th consecutive bowl game loss and 5th bowl game under Rod Carey where they were defeated by at least 21 points.[28] Sutton Smith had another strong season, once again leading the nation in tackles for loss (27) and finishing third in sacks (15). He was named a 1st team All-American for the 2nd straight year by several outlets.[29][30]
On January 11, 2019, it was announced that Rod Carey had accepted the head coaching position at Temple University after six seasons as NIU's head football coach.[31]
In their search for a new football coach, NIU's potential candidates included Baltimore Ravens RB coach Thomas Hammock (former NIU RB), former Maryland OC Matt Canada (former NIU OC), SMU DC Kevin Kane (former NIU DC), and Wisconsin OC Joe Rudolph.[32]
Thomas Hammock era (2019–present)
[edit]On January 18, 2019, NIU announced the hiring of Thomas Hammock as the new head football coach. Hammock was a running back for the Huskies from 1999-2002 and was most recently the running backs coach for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2018. At his first press conference as NIU's head coach, Hammock stated that coaching at NIU "had always been [his] dream."[33]
In Hammock's first year at the helm, the Huskies finished 5-7 including a 4-4 record in MAC play.[22]
In a pandemic shortened 2020 season, NIU finished 0-6 with one of the youngest teams in the nation. This marked their first winless season since 1999.[22][34]
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Expectations were low for the 2021 season following a disappointing 2020. Michigan State QB Rocky Lombardi announced that he would be transferring to NIU in December 2020, and he was named the starting QB to enter the season.[35] NIU opened the year as an 18 point underdog to Georgia Tech, but defeated the Yellow Jackets 22-21.[36] This marked their 12th victory over a Power 5 program since 2000 and 8th since 2009. The Huskies claimed their 5th MAC title since 2011 with a 41-23 victory over Kent State.[37] After their win in the MAC championship, NIU was selected to play in the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina, a game they lost 47-41.
During the 2024-2025 season, Hammock's sixth year, NIU beat the University of Notre Dame during the Fighting Irish's home opener in South Bend, 16-14, with two interceptions and two blocked kicks. Notre Dame was ranked #5 at the time, making it the biggest upset in the history of Huskie football, the school's only top-10 win to date (all-time 1-14 against top 10), and the first ever top-5 win by the Mid-American Conference.[38][39] NIU finished their season with a double overtime victory over Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.[40]
Conference affiliations
[edit]Northern Illinois has been a member of the following conferences.[41]: 182 [better source needed]
- Independent (1899–1919)
- Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1922–1925)[42]
- Independent (1926–1927)
- Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1928–1965)
- Independent (1966–1974)
- Mid-American Conference (1975–1985)
- Independent (1986–1992)
- Big West Conference (1993–1995)
- Independent (1996)
- Mid-American Conference (1997–present)
Championships
[edit]National championships
[edit]| Year | Division | Coach | Selectors | Record | Conf. Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | NCAA College Division | Howard Fletcher | Associated Press | 10–0 | 4–0 |
Conference championships
[edit]Conference championships won by Northern Illinois as of 2021.
| Year | Conference | Coach | Record | Conf. Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | Chick Evans | 6–1–1 | 4–0 |
| 1944 | 7–0 | 3–0 | ||
| 1951 | Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | 9–0 | 6–0 | |
| 1963 | Howard Fletcher | 10–0 | 4–0 | |
| 1964† | 7–2 | 3–1 | ||
| 1965 | 9–1 | 4–0 | ||
| 1983 | Mid-American Conference | Bill Mallory | 10–2 | 8–1 |
| 2011 | Dave Doeren | 11–3 | 7–1 | |
| 2012 | 12–1 | 8–0 | ||
| 2014 | Rod Carey | 11–3 | 7–1 | |
| 2018 | 8–6 | 6–2 | ||
| 2021 | Thomas Hammock | 9–5 | 6–2 |
† Co-champions
Division championships
[edit]| Year | Division | Coach | Opponent | CG result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001† | MAC West | Joe Novak | N/A lost tiebreaker to Toledo | |
| 2002† | N/A lost tiebreaker to Toledo | |||
| 2004† | N/A lost tiebreaker to Toledo | |||
| 2005 | Akron | L 30–31 | ||
| 2010 | Jerry Kill | Miami | L 21–26 | |
| 2011† | Dave Doeren | Ohio | W 23–20 | |
| 2012 | Kent State | W 44–372OT | ||
| 2013 | Rod Carey | Bowling Green | L 27–47 | |
| 2014† | Bowling Green | W 51–17 | ||
| 2015† | Bowling Green | L 14–34 | ||
| 2018 | Buffalo | W 30–29 | ||
| 2021† | Thomas Hammock | Kent State | W 41–23 | |
† Co-champions
Bowl games
[edit]Northern Illinois has played in 16 bowl games, having a record of 6–10.
| Season | Bowl | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | California Bowl | Cal State-Fullerton | W 20–13 |
| 2004 | Silicon Valley Classic | Troy | W 34–21 |
| 2006 | Poinsettia Bowl | TCU | L 7–37 |
| 2008 | Independence Bowl | Louisiana Tech | L 10–17 |
| 2009 | International Bowl | South Florida | L 3–27 |
| 2010 | Humanitarian Bowl | Fresno State | W 40–17 |
| 2011 | GoDaddy.com Bowl | Arkansas State | W 38–20 |
| 2012 | Orange Bowl | Florida State | L 10–31 |
| 2013 | Poinsettia Bowl | Utah State | L 14–21 |
| 2014 | Boca Raton Bowl | Marshall | L 23–52 |
| 2015 | Poinsettia Bowl | Boise State | L 7–55 |
| 2017 | Quick Lane Bowl | Duke | L 14–36 |
| 2018 | Boca Raton Bowl | UAB | L 13–37 |
| 2021 | Cure Bowl | Coastal Carolina | L 41–47 |
| 2023 | Camellia Bowl | Arkansas State | W 21–19 |
| 2024 | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl | Fresno State | W 28–20 |
- Other bowl games
In years prior to having classifications for college football, Northern Illinois participated in five bowl games that are now considered as "College Division". They played in five bowl games, having a record of 1–4.
| Season | Bowl | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Turkey Bowl | Evansville | L 7–19 |
| 1947 | Hoosier Bowl | Evansville | L 0–20 |
| 1962 | Mineral Water Bowl | Adams State | L 20–23 |
| 1963 | Mineral Water Bowl | Missouri State | W 21–14 |
| 1965 | Mineral Water Bowl | North Dakota | L 20–37 |
Head coaches
[edit]Career records of NIU head coaches.[41]: 183 [43]
| Coach | Tenure | Games | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John A. H. Keith | 1899–1903 | 29 | 17–7–5 | .672 |
| Dixie Fleager | 1904 | 5 | 5–0 | 1.000 |
| Harry Sauthoff | 1905 | 5 | 3–1–1 | .700 |
| Nelson A. Kellogg | 1906–1909 | 28 | 8–17–3 | .339 |
| William Wirtz | 1910–1916 | 59 | 33–17–9 | .636 |
| No team | 1917–1919 | |||
| Paul Harrison | 1920–1922 | 26 | 11–14–1 | .442 |
| William Muir | 1923–1925 | 23 | 11–9–3 | .543 |
| Roland Cowell | 1926–1928 | 20 | 6–11–3 | .375 |
| Chick Evans | 1929–1954 | 222 | 132–70–20 | .640 |
| Bob Kahler | 1955 | 9 | 0–8–1 | .056 |
| Howard Fletcher | 1956–1968 | 123 | 74–48–1 | .606 |
| Doc Urich | 1969–1970 | 20 | 6–14 | .300 |
| Jerry Ippoliti | 1971–1975 | 55 | 25–29–1 | .464 |
| Pat Culpepper | 1976–1979 | 44 | 14–29–1 | .330 |
| Bill Mallory | 1980–1983 | 44 | 25–19 | .568 |
| Lee Corso | 1984 | 11 | 4–6–1 | .409 |
| Jerry Pettibone | 1985–1990 | 66 | 33–32–1 | .508 |
| Charlie Sadler | 1991–1995 | 55 | 18–37 | .327 |
| Joe Novak | 1996–2007 | 139 | 63–76 | .453 |
| Jerry Kill | 2008–2010 | 39 | 23–16 | .590 |
| Tom Matukewicz† | 2010 | 1 | 1–0 | 1.000 |
| Dave Doeren | 2011–2012 | 27 | 23–4 | .852 |
| Rod Carey‡ | 2012–2018 | 81 | 52–29 | .642 |
| Thomas Hammock | 2019–present | 57 | 26–33 | .441 |
† Interim head coach for 2010 Humanitarian Bowl
‡ Interim head coach for 2013 Orange Bowl
Rivalries
[edit]Ball State
[edit]Northern Illinois holds a 25–23–2 series lead over Ball State through the 2022 season.[44]
Individual honors
[edit]Retired jerseys
[edit]NIU has not retired any number but has honored the jerseys of four former players retiring them.[41]: 150–151
| No. | Name | Position | Years | Ret. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Dave Petzke | SE | 1977–1978 | |
| 11 | George Bork | QB | 1960–1963 | 1983 |
| 12 | Bob Heimerdinger | QB | 1948–1951 | 1951 |
| 31 | Mark Kellar | FB | 1971–1973 | 1973 |
College Football Hall of Fame
[edit]There have been two former NIU players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.[41]: 152
| Name | Position | Years | Inducted | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Bork | QB | 1960–1963 | 1999 | [45] |
| Tom Beck† | QB/HB | 1959–1961 | 2004 | [46] |
† Inducted as a coach
Heisman Trophy
[edit]Finishes for Northern Illinois players:
| Year | Name | Position | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | George Bork | QB | UA |
| 1990 | Stacey Robinson | QB | 38th |
| 1993 | LeShon Johnson | RB | 6th |
| 2003 | Michael Turner | RB | 18th |
| 2006 | Garrett Wolfe | RB | 11th |
| 2012 | Jordan Lynch | QB | 7th |
| 2013 | Jordan Lynch | QB | 3rd |
Consensus All-Americans
[edit]- LeShon Johnson, 1993
- Sutton Smith, 2017
NCAA Rushing Leaders (By Year)
[edit]- Mark Kellar Year: 1973 Rushing Yards: 1719
- Stacie Robinson Year 1990 Rushing Touchdowns: 19
- Leshon Johnson Year:1993 Rushing Yards: 1976
- Garret Wolfe Year: 2006 Rushing Yards: 1928
- Chad Spann Year: 2010 Rushing Touchdowns: 22
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_major_college_football_yearly_rushing_leaders
NIU and the NFL
[edit]Future non-conference opponents
[edit]Announced schedules as of August 11, 2024.[47]
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois | Holy Cross | at Iowa | at Nebraska | at Ohio State | at Iowa | Middle Tennessee | at San Diego State | at Missouri |
| at Notre Dame | at Maryland | Illinois State | at Colorado | at Missouri | at Middle Tennessee | BYU | ||
| at NC State | at Mississippi State | at Arizona | South Florida | Missouri | ||||
| UMass | San Diego State | New Mexico State |
References
[edit]- ^ "New Huskie Stadium Turf Installation Complete". NIU Athletics - Official Website. NIU. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
- ^ As of September 7, 2024, per the "2023 NIU Football Record Book & Guide" (PDF). NIU Athletics - Official Website., plus record to date per "Northern Illinois Huskies School History". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "NIU Athletic Marks Standards Guide" (PDF). July 12, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- ^ "The Northern Illinois Official Athletic Site – Traditions". Niuhuskies.com. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ "Dogs and Canine Characters: 31 of 52". Mascots.com. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ "Huskie Band Home – NIU – Huskie Band". Niu.edu. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ "Huskies In Heaven". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016.
- ^ "NIU 2013 Huskies Media Guide" (PDF). NIU Athletics - Official Website.
- ^ McMurphy, Brett (February 12, 2012). "Sources: Northern Illinois to play in Orange Bowl". Retrieved February 12, 2012.
- ^ Mitchell, Fred (January 12, 2012). "Doeren to leave Northern Illinois for N.C. State". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
- ^ Seligman, Andrew (August 15, 2012). "Northern Illinois looks to put Orange Bowl in past, build on BCS".
- ^ "Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs Florida State Box Score, January 1, 2013 - College Football at Sports-Reference.com". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Mcubed.net : NCAA Football : Bowl Games : Northern Illinois bowl game history".
- ^ "2014 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Three Huskies Earn All-America Honors – NIUHUSKIES.COM – The Northern Illinois Official Athletic Site". Niuhuskies.Com. December 17, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ "2014 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "2014 Football Schedule".
- ^ "Odds: Ohio State should have no trouble with NIU".
- ^ "2015 Northern Illinois Football Schedule".
- ^ "Boise State vs. Northern Illinois - Game Summary - December 23, 2015 - ESPN".
- ^ "Northern Illinois' Shawun Lurry named first-team All-America". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ a b c "Northern Illinois Huskies Football Record by Year".
- ^ "Kenny Golladay Drafted by the Detroit Lions".
- ^ "Football".
- ^ "2017 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results".
- ^ "Northern Illinois' Sutton Smith drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers". April 27, 2019.
- ^ "Huskies shock Bulls, complete 19-point comeback to win 30-29". November 30, 2018.
- ^ "2018 Northern Illinois Huskies Schedule and Results".
- ^ "Steelers select Northern Illinois OLB Sutton Smith 175th overall". April 27, 2019.
- ^ "Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith racks up three All-American selections". December 10, 2018.
- ^ "Rod Carey selected as Temple's head football coach". January 11, 2019.
- ^ "More names have emerged in Northern Illinois coaching search, reports say". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ "Former NIU star Hammock gets his dream job in coaching Huskies". January 18, 2019.
- ^ "Hammock encouraged by growth of young NIU players despite 0-4 record". December 2, 2020.
- ^ "Northern Illinois is adding quarterback Rocky Lombardi, a transfer from Michigan State". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ Sugiura, Ken. "Georgia Tech stunned by Northern Illinois". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
- ^ "2021 Northern Illinois Football Schedule".
- ^ Bromberg, Nick (September 7, 2024). "Northern Illinois stuns No. 5 Notre Dame for first-ever win over a top-10 team". Yahoo! Sports.
- ^ "Northern Illinois shocks No. 5 Notre Dame on late field goal for MAC's first win vs. top-five team in history". September 7, 2024.
- ^ "Dimopoulos shines in double OT and Northern Illinois beats Fresno State 28-20 in Idaho Potato Bowl". December 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "2017 NIU Media Guide" (PDF). niuhuskies.com. Northern Illinois Athletics. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ^ "NIU Football 2020 Record Book" (PDF). Northern Illinois University Athletics. p. 185. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ "Northern Illinois Huskies Coaches".
- ^ "Winsipedia - Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals football series history".
- ^ "George Bork (1999) - Hall of Fame".
- ^ "Tom Beck (2004) - Hall of Fame".
- ^ "Northern Illinois Huskies Future Football Schedules". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Northern Illinois Huskies football.
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