The Northern Illinois Huskies have dominated the MAC the last 5 years, going 36-4 over that span. This year they have 14 starters back, but must replace QB Jordan Lynch, which will make it hard to continue their dominance of the conference this year. Preview & Schedule are below
Matt Mcintosh looks to take over the QB slot for the departed Lynch and he is very green, having thrown just 2 passes last year. Drew Hare is also in the mix at QB as is Anthony Maddie. Whoever gets the job will have a plethora of weapons to throw to, including Da’Ron Thomas and TommyLee Lewis, who combined for 1467 yards and 12 TDs last year. This is one of the best WR corps in the league. Jordan Lynch led the team in rushing last year, but Cameron Stingly was the top RB and return after rushing for 1119 yards and 9 TDs last year, plus they will also get back Akeem Daniels, who had a very nice 2012, but missed last year due to injury. Last year the OL was very dominant for the Huskies and this year they return 102 career starts. They will be in important part of this offense, as the Huskies may look to run a bit more this year. The defense is where this team has been hit hardest as they have just 5 starters back. All may not be as bad as it looks though as they still return 6 of their top 9 tacklers from last year. The LB corps is the strength of this defense with Jamaal Bass and Boomer Mays, who combined for 169 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8 TFL last year. The DL lost all 4 starters, but does have some experience with 2 starters being seniors, while the secondary looks like it may struggle some this year, with just 2 of 4 starters back and not a whole lot of depth.
The Offense will be good again, but may not be as explosive as the last few years, especially with breaking in a new QB. The defense has some holes on the line and in the secondary, so I look for them to struggle as well. They do get the important game vs Toledo, but that game is sandwich between tough roadies vs Ball State and Ohio making that a very tough stretch for them. The opening portion of their schedule is tough as well as they take on Northwestern, UNLV and Arkansas all on the road, following and opening game vs Presbyterian. Northern Illinois has just owned this conference of the last few years, but with the loss of QB Lynch and a defense that lost allot as well, I will look for them to take a small step back in the very tough MAC West. KEY TREND: 9-2-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs Western Michigan.
2014 Northern Illinois Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Presbyterian
Sep. 6 at Northwestern
Sep. 13 at UNLV
Sep. 20 at Arkansas
Sep. 27 OPEN DATE
Oct. 4 Kent State
Oct. 11 Central Michigan
Oct. 18 Miami Univ.
Oct. 25 at Eastern Michigan
Nov. 5 at Ball State
Nov. 11 Toledo
Nov. 18 at Ohio
Nov. 22 OPEN DATE
Nov. 28 at Western Michigan
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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