INSIDE SLANT

After playing three games in two weeks, the Huskies get a few extra days of rest prior to their game at Ohio. The Huskies need the two extra days to heel some injuries and prepare for the stretch run. The Huskies completed a four-game winning streak against substandard competition, defeating Miami-Ohio, Akron, Eastern Michigan and Ball State by a combined score of 130-58.

The Huskies played extremely well at times during their winning streak, while showing some rough spots against Akron and Ball State. Still, at 7-3 and 5-1 in the MAC, the Huskies remain ahead of schedule under second-year coach Jerry Kill.

“I think the program is heading in the right direction,” Kill said after the BSU win. “We needed to better than last season and I think we are heading in that direction. We hold everything in front of us again and now we have to go on the road. We have been able to win a couple on the road, which I think is important that our kids do know how to win on the road. We will go into a great environment at Ohio. I think it will be a great football game and a great match-up and I am looking forward to it.”

The Huskies lost several key contributors to last year’s bowl team, most notably being two-time MAC MVP, defensive end Larry English, to the NFL Draft. The Huskies plugged several holes with newcomers and relied on a strong offensive line to be in position for a second straight bowl game and control their own destiny in the MAC West Division race.

“To be honest, I think we’re a little farther along than I thought we would be,” Kill said. “We’re so, so young on defense and we’ve had some critical injuries. We’ve lost two defensive tackles, we’re playing two true freshman on the defensive line. I was a little nervous, but our kids have really stepped up and put us in a good position. Now they’ve got to close out. There’s three games left and they’ve got to play very well.”

The Huskies have dealt with several injuries to key players. Last week, quarterback Chandler Harnish returned after missing three games due to a knee injury. Harnish played most of the second half against the Cardinals, prompting Kill to talk of a possible two-quarterback system against Ohio.

Both quarterbacks would love to see a healthy Chad Spann in the backfield against the Bobcats. The junior tailback injured his shoulder against Ball State. Spann is a major cog in NIU’s offense, leading the team with 830 yards and ranking fifth in the country in scoring. Spann has 16 rushing and one receiving touchdown.

“He got a shoulder knocked down pretty good and we’re just going to have to see,” Kill said. “We’re hoping that he’ll be able to play. He moved around a little bit yesterday and was very sore. We just hope that he’ll be ready to play on Saturday, but we’ll definitely see how the week goes.”

The Huskies play their first road game in a month at Ohio. The game marks the first time since 1998 that the Huskies have played at Peden Stadium.

NOTES, QUOTES

• TB Chad Spann will be a last-minute decision to play against Ohio. Spann injured his shoulder against Ball State. The junior leads the Huskies with 830 yards rushing and ranks fifth in the nation in scoring with 17 touchdowns.

• QB DeMarcus Grady has started the last four games after Chandler Harnish suffered a knee injury at Toledo. The two sophomore quarterbacks split time against Ball State. NIU coach Jerry Kill won’t rule out using both quarterbacks against Ohio.

• The Huskies have won at least six games in a season nine times in the last 10 years.

Series History:   Ohio leads series 9-8 (last meeting, 2006, 31-13 Ohio)

Scouting The Offense:   The Huskies are averaging 220 yards rushing per game. They rank 11th in the country in rushing offense, led by Chad Spann’s 830 yards. Spann is a game-time decision to play against Ohio due to a shoulder injury. The Bobcats play well against the run, allowing 147.8 yards per game. Last week, the Huskies rushed for just 134 yards against Ball State.

Scouting The Defense:   The Huskies have surpassed last year’s sack total with 26. Even with two games remaining and losing star player Larry English to the NFL, the Huskies have topped last year’s total of 25, with Jake Coffman leading the team with five and a half sacks. The defense will need to pressure Ohio quarterback Theo Scott to not give him time to throw deep passes.

Quote To Note:   “It’s different than what you see form a day-to-day basis. I think they’re very similar to what Nevada does. I think everybody knows how successful they are on offense. It’s just a unique offense to get prepared for. So you’ve got to do a little bit of extra work.”—NIU coach Jerry Kill on Ohio’s offense.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Northern Illinois at Ohio, November 21—The Huskies play their first game in 11 years at Peden Stadium. Both teams need a win to stay in their respective divisional races.

Keys To The Game:   The Huskies rushed for 134 yards in last week’s win over Ball State. Northern Illinois must top that total to beat the Bobcats at Peden Stadium. The NIU defense must watch out for Ohio quarterback Theo Scott’s ability to throw the long ball.

Players To Watch:  

WR Nathan Palmer became the fourth player last week to lead the Huskies in rushing. Palmer is a valuable tool in the offense due to his running and pass receiving skills.

QB Chandler Harnish played his first game in a month against Ball State. Another week of practice should lead to better numbers.

DE Jake Coffman is the unsung hero of the team due to his spirited play. The Huskies need another big effort to knock off the Bobcats.

DE Sean Progar is second on the team with five sacks. A young player with high upside, Projar has started just five games.

Roster Report:  

• TB Chad Spann will be a game-time decision due to a shoulder injury suffered against Ball State.

• QB Chandler Harnish is listed as the starter for the Huskies in the two-deep roster for the Ohio game.

• FS David Bryant is doubtful to play at Ohio.