2009 Northern Illinois Huskies College Football Predictions

2009 Northern Illinois Huskies Predictions
2008 Record: (6-7, 5-3)
Coach: Jerry Kill, 2nd year (6-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Limegrover (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tracy Claeys (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chandler Harnish)

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Offense: The Huskies return six starters from a unit that averaged 24.2ppg. They also bring back sophomore quarterback Chandler Harnish (6-2, 210), who threw for 1,528 yards with eight touchdowns and nine picks as a freshman. He also led the team in rushing with 539 yards. Speedy sophomore RB Me’co Brown (5-7, 180) returns after rushing for 510 yards and two scores last year. The receiving corps returns junior Landon Cox (16 receptions) and not much else in terms of experience. Up front, sophomore LT Trevor Olson (6-6, 290) anchors a line that returns three starters.

Defense: The defense brings back three starters from a unit that allowed just 18ppg (14th in the nation) and 298.5 yards per game (17th). They lost significant talent including DE Larry English, the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Senior DE Brandon Bice (6-4, 250) will see much more attention now, after recording 6.5 sacks last season after earning third-team All-MAC honors. Junior DT Mike Krause (6-4, 270) anchors the middle as last season he registered 20 tackles, including three for loss. At linebacker, they lose all but one starter-senior Cory Hanson (6-2, 225)-who recorded 37 tackles and six for loss last year. The secondary returns just one starter, but he’s a good one. Senior FS David Bryant, a former tailback and linebacker, was the team’s leading tackler with 83.

Outlook: The Huskies face Wisconsin on the road to start the season. They also face Western Illinois and Idaho at home, along with Purdue on the road. They also host Western Michigan and Ball State, but end the season on the road at Central Michigan. Expect the defense to regress after returning just three starters. The offense features some great potential and could be better their youngsters mature.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com