Huskies defense stays stingy
DEKALB - Northern Illinois held Bowling Green to 1 touchdown Saturday, which actually hurt the Huskies' average.
Their stingy defense had allowed just 2 TDs in its last five games entering Saturday. They did their job again against Bowling Green, holding them to 13 points with another all-around team effort.
Northern had 9 tackles for a loss - by eight different players. Huskies coach Jerry Kill also credited the offense for the defense's success by controlling the time of possession.
"It was a tremendous group effort," Kill said. "We are finding ways to win. Today we shortened the game and it worked out."
Surprising struggles: For the first time this year, Huskies quarterback Chandler Harnish looked like a freshman throwing the ball.
After playing four games with no interceptions and a 176.4 efficiency rating, Bowling Green picked Harnish twice in the first half. On the second interception, his intended receiver ran the wrong route.
It also was a windy day, but Harnish made no excuses for a 5-for-12 effort, the 2 interceptions and 45 yards.
"The wind wasn't a factor," Harnish said. "I don't know what was wrong with me. I was playing a little too fast and wasn't very composed."
Record-setter: Northern kicker Mike Salerno tied a school record with his 52-yard field goal in the first quarter. Steve Azar and Chris Nendick also booted 52-yarders in 2003 and 2005, respectively.
A strong wind aided the kick, though Salerno showed he has plenty of leg by nearly making a 49-yarder kicking into the wind just before halftime.
"I just take every kick the same way," Salerno said. "Extra point, game-winner, 52-yarder."
Happy anniversary: Northern Illinois welcomed back members of the 1983 team to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their MAC championship. Coached by Bill Mallory, who also returned Saturday, the Huskies went 10-2 and beat Cal-State Fullerton 20-13 in the California Bowl, the Huskies' first major college bowl game and bowl victory.
Among the former players honored at halftime was Rob Wicinski, a linebacker on the '83 team and now the coach of 9-0 Geneva. After enjoying watching his alma mater win, Wicinski hurried home to find out the Vikings earned a No. 1 seed in the Class 7A playoffs, with their opener against Rolling Meadows.
Weekday warriors: Northern has four games left, none on Saturday. The Huskies play a pair of Wednesday games and two Tuesday in November.
After a three-game winning streak at home to improve to 4-0 this year in DeKalb, Northern travels to the MAC'S best, 20th-ranked Ball State on Nov. 5.
"I've said since Day One we have to win at home," Kill said. "Now we have to go get some on the road."