The Huskies capped off a second place finish in the MAC West with a 27-3 shellacking by South Florida in the International Bow. It was their third straight bowl loss for a program that concluded their 2009 campaign ranked No. 49 with an overall record of 7-6 while going 5-3 in the conference. While being a highly regarded program with winning records in eight of its last 10 seasons, NIU still, under third-year head coach Jerry Kill, remain 0-11 against teams with winning record. They have shown inconstancy losing 4-of-5 to wrap up 2008, and 3-of-4 to end last season. Now Kill finds himself at a crossroads and despite losing some key players, he remains confident that the Huskies will rebound with another strong season.
Offense:
A total of seven offensive starters will return to this year's roster, with a few exceptions starting with guard Jason Onyebuagu, and center Eddie Adamski. This could be a considerable loss for a team that loves to run the ball.
The proof is in the stats as the Huskies led the conference averaging just over 195 rushing yards per game. Their running game has been synonymous with their success; NIU are 12-0 when able to rush for at least 175 yards while they are just 1-13 when held to less over the past two seasons.
A big part of that effort has come by way of RB Chad Spann. The First-team All Conference player returns to the line up following a breakout season rushing for 1,000 yards with 19 TDs on 180 carries. He will get some help from JUCO transfer Jasmin Hopkins, a shifty runner with speed who showed well in spring and should be a solid addition to the backfield.
Despite their over the top rushing attack, the Huskies will want to improve their passing game in an effort to be less predictable in the 2010. Quarterback Chandler Harnish will be a key weapon in getting the job done. The sophomore will return after suffering a mid-season knee injury and is expected to get to work under center from day one. But you have to wonder if he can hold up for a full season. If not Kill will turn to another sophomore, DeMarcus Grady who despite limited playing time in 2009, proved he could challenge for a starting position. JUCO transfer Casey Weston and Jordan Lynch is also in the mix and had great spring showings.
Whoever wins the quarterback position will have a deep set of six returning receivers to toss to, including sophomore WR Landon Cox who had a breakout season scoring four TDs while catching a team-high 45 passes for 535 yards.
Defense:
The Huskies held their opponents to 330.3 yards per game in 2009, the best in the Mid-American Conference and 30th nationally. They also came just shy of setting a new school of for a combined 34 sacks.
That defense remains mostly intact with eight returning starters including DE Jake Coffman. Standing 6-5, and 255 pounds the senior was a big part of that effort with 8.5 sacks. Freshman DE Sean Progar, will bookend the line, and while attracting his own attention should create more opportunities for Coffman to impose his hurt.
The second row has a lot of inexperience on a deep list, and linebackers Alex Kube, Pat Schiller and Cory Hanson, who had 83 tackles in 2009, must help a young linebacking corps adjust to playing big-time football.
The secondary, led by safety and leading tackler Tracy Wilson, needs to make more plays and force turnovers after intercepting just eight passes in 2009.
2010 Prediction: Second in the MAC West. Kill's team is built to run. They Huskies have shown they have what it takes to challenge the rest of the division for a top spot, and surely have the weapons for another winning season. A lot will rely on Harnish's ability to develop a better passing attack while stepping up to lead this year's squad. Another big season by tailback Chad Spann will help a young offense. The defense is solid along the line, but the back seven is questionable and has proven their propensity for failure as illustrated in last season's International Bowl. But if the Huskies can tighten up their defensive weaknesses and win the important games in the final third of the season, it could land them with enough for a second place finish in the division.
Here's a closer look at the 2010 Northern Illinois Huskies to help make your College Football wagers winners. For a detailed look at the 2010 MAC Predictions check this out.
Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds right here this season. And check in often for more college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.
0