Northern Illinois Huskies
Mid-American Conference
First year head coach Dave Doeren did not miss a beat. His Northern Illinois squad shot back up to the top of the MAC standings despite questions of how this team would come out of the gates with a new leader. However, former coach Jerry Kill certainly left plenty of talent for Coach Doeren to work with. It did take a little while as NIU lost three of their first five games with those two wins coming against Army and Cal Poly. But there is no shame in losing to Wisconsin or even Kansas. After that, the Huskies got rolling and they have proven to be tough to stop.
2011 Record: 10-3, 7-1
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Humanitarian Bowl vs. Fresno State (W 40-17)
Big Wins: 10/15 Western Michigan (51-22), 11/1 at Toledo (63-60)
Bad Losses: 9/10 at Kansas (42-45), 10/1 at Central Michigan (41-48)
Coach: Dave Doeren (10-3 at Northern Illinois, 10-3 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Northern Illinois, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Canada
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Niemann
Strengths:
Quarterback Chandler Harnish has been the leader of this team for a few years now, but he has saved his best performance in DeKalb for his senior season. The 6-2 signal caller is a very efficient and productive passer, but what makes Harnish special is what he can do with his legs. Harnish is always a threat to tuck the ball and pick up a big chunk of yardage. When Harnish puts the ball in the air, Nathan Palmer, Perez Ashford and Martel Moore are his favorite targets. Yet, there are a handful of other receivers who have caught at least ten passes this season and Harnish is never afraid to spread the love around to all of his receiving options. Harnish is the Huskies top rusher, but Jasmin Hopkins has done a fine job stepping into the starting role this season. His numbers will not blow anybody away, but his ability to make plays on the ground really opens up space for Harnish to pass or find a rushing lane for himself.
Weaknesses:
There have been some very, very high scoring games in the MAC this year. Fortunately for NIU, they can outscore just about anybody. But the defense still gives up a slew of yards. And the numbers are not just bad because Northern Illinois gets involved in some high scoring MAC shootouts. Even by MAC standards the defense is pretty bad. NIU has given up over 180 yards per game on the ground this year, ranking 8th in the conference. The pass defense is just as bad, allowing about 240 yards through the air. The defense allowed fewer than 22 points just once prior to their final four games, when the unit has performed much better. The schedule has not been particularly easy, but the defense should not be allowing 30 points to Cal Poly or Buffalo or 26 points to Army or 60 points to anybody. Harnish and his offense can pick up the slack and make just about any game close, but when it comes down to the defense making a stop, that could be a problem.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Chandler Harnish, QB, 1,382 yards
Passing: Chandler Harnish, QB, 2,942 yards
Receiving: Nathan Palmer, WR, 683 yards
Tackles: Pat Schiller, LB, 108
Sacks: Sean Progar, DE, 5.5
Interceptions: Dechane Durante, S, 2; Rashaan Melvin, CB, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 255.33 (8th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 232.83 (60, 8)
Total Offense: 488.17 (9, 2)
Scoring Offense: 39.58 (11, 2)
Rushing Defense: 182.08 (84, 8)
Pass Defense: 239.58 (77, 10)
Total Defense: 421.67 (91, 9)
Scoring Defense: 32.00 (94, 10)
Turnover Margin: .25 (39, 4)
Sacks: 1.92 (56, 5)
Sacks Allowed: .67 (4, 1)
