Week 4: Illinois State at Northern Illinois

The Northern Illinois football team spent its bye week going through some full-contact practice, trying to clean up the rough spots that had cost the team in a couple of very narrow losses. A four-point loss at Minnesota and a three-point defeat at Western Michigan left first-year Huskies head coach Jerry Kill feeling like his team was very close to finding the edge it needed.

Indiana State might be just what Kill and the Huskies need at this juncture to post a big win and end up with a lot to feel good about as they move forward. Struggling programs like Northern Illinois are rushing to get the lowly Sycamores on the schedule (see Eastern Michigan).

Despite the relative weakness of the opponent, Kill wants to see his team taking advantage of its opportunities, and making the game-changing plays it will take to have a say in the MAC’s West Division race.

The Sycamores are on the first tier of foundation blocks in what will be a long and painstaking rebuilding process, with no guarantee of any success. Indiana State has been outscored 90-3 in its first two games. The list of what needs to be done is long and imposing, and even the most optimistic followers have to admit a long road lies ahead for the Sycamores.

Notes:
 
Northern Illinois had to face some adversity in its game with Western Michigan, since starting quarterback Chandler Harnish was lost to an injury in the first quarter. Senior Dan Nicholson and redshirt freshman DeMarcus Grady shared relief duties, and will get the call if Harnish is not cleared to play this week.

Indiana State quarterback Chuck Dowdell seriously hurt his team’s cause last week with an interception and a lost fumble. He threw for just 55 yards on 6-of-11 passing, and had 52 rushing yards in 13 carries.

There is evidence Northern Illinois won’t be that predictable, straight-ahead rushing offense this season. The Huskies opened the Western Michigan game with a flea-flicker on the first play that resulted in a 45-yard gain.

Indiana State freshman Braulio Martinez has the only points of the season for the Sycamores -- a 22-yard field goal.

Key Player (Sycamores) — Gabe Mullane, P

It’s a commentary on where the program stands when the punter is critical, but while Indiana State rebuilds it cannot afford gaffs in the field position game, and Mullane has been effective so far. He averaged 43.7 yards per punt in his college debut three weeks ago, including a 59-yarder.

Key Player (Huskies) — Mike Salerno, PK

The Huskies expect to be involved in a number of close games this season, and although this week won’t produce one, the first two were just that. They’ll need Salerno to win one of those tight ones. He had a pair of field goals and a perfect onside kick in the loss to Western Michigan.

Northern Illinois by 28