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| Monday, August 13 Huskies athletic, but very young with only 11 seniors By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Northern Illinois Huskies 2000 record: 6-5 (4-3). Coach: Joe Novak (6th year, 14-41 record). Starters returning: 7 offense, 4 defense. Outlook: Novak says Northern Illinois is a mystery team and their success depends on how quickly they mature and develop. He's right. There are only 11 seniors, but the Huskies are more athletic than a year ago. Offensively, the featured back is Thomas Hammock, who rushed for 1,083 yards despite missing 2 1/2 games. Quarterback Chris Finlen is not a big-time playmaker, but he makes wise decisions that don't hurt the team. But Finlen must find a go-to guy after losing Justin McCareins while playing behind a reconstructed offensive line. Defensive end Trent Clemen is steady as is nose tackle Eric Didesch, but they'll miss Darien Tate who is out with eligibility problems. The Huskies allowed 19 touchdown pass a year ago which indicates that the secondary needs work. Keep an eye on: Split end Darrell Hill, who is back after receiving a medical red shirt last year. He's a burner with big-play ability. Key game: The Huskies have 70 players on the roster from the state of Illinois -- most who believe they were good enough to play for Illinois in the Big Ten -- and on Sept. 8 they'll get to prove it. It's a good year if ... Finlen, who has been a captain for the last three years, can find a go-to guy and the offensive line develops before the bulk of the conference season rolls around. But Northern Illinois must find a way to beat the MAC elite before they can ever be taken seriously. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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