(Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
Welcome back to the MAC-Attack boys and girls! Today the attack heads west to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Beware of dog!
2008 Record: 5-3 (6-7)
Key Losses:
- CB Chase Carter
- CB Bradley Pruitt
- CB Melvin Rice
- DE Larry English
- DT Alex Krutsch
2009 Key Games:
- Purdue (Away, Sept. 9)
- Western Michigan (Home, Oct. 3)
- Central Michigan (Away, Nov. 27)
Analysis:
The Huskies' offense looks to be solid in 2009. Quarterback Charlie Harnish and running backs Me’co Brown and Chad Spann are back for the '09 season. As a freshman Harnish only completed 55.9 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. In order for the NIU offense to move the ball effectively Harnish has to make more plays with his arm.
The defense is another story. Despite returning safeties David Bryant and Mike Sobol, the secondary has some big holes to fill. Several corners were used in the '08 campaign and all have moved on to bigger and better things. The Huskies will have to find game ready corners or risk giving up a lot of points. The front seven will also need to fill some major holes, including the spot Larry English vacated when he left for the NFL last season.
Bottom Line:
The Northern Illinois offense will lean heavily on the running game and their safeties in 2009. Harnish will have to step up and make plays through the air to avoid a one-way-street offense.
Predicted 2009 Record: 5-3 (7-5)
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