While NIU is surely disappointed in its play Saturday, the real season begins this week when MAC conference play starts.

“All the goals we want to have are still in front of us,” said NIU head coach Jerry Kill. “That’s the bottom line. The way I look at it now, we’re all 0-0.”

The Huskies (2-2) have a glaring stat that is consistent in their wins and losses. Both times NIU has won, they have won the rushing yards game. But in the losses to Wisconsin and Idaho, they were out-run. While the sample size is relatively small, it appears the Huskies are going to live and die with the scrambling of Chandler Harnish, and the running of Me’co Brown and Chad Spann.

Injuries
Defensive end Jake Coffman did not play Saturday, even though he was cleared to play by medical staff. Kill opted not to play him, but said he will be back next week.

Tight end Reed Cunningham also did not play. He struggled through the week with the flu, and Kill decided he wasn’t ready for game action. He is also expected to play Saturday.

But, NIU had two more key injuries during the game against Idaho. Center Eddie Adamski left the game with an ankle injury and did not return, and it is not known if he will play against Western Michigan. Defensive tackle Adam Coleman also left the game with what looked to be a leg injury.

Kill will address the media Tuesday, and more information on the extent of the injury report will be found out then.

A game of firsts
While the only stat that the Huskies care about from the Idaho game was the loss, Willie Clark and Landon Cox both caught touchdowns, marking the first time a wide receiver has hauled in one this season for the Huskies. All of Harnish’s touchdowns through the air have gone to running backs or tight ends prior to Saturday.

Chad Spann update
Chad Spann went without a touchdown for the first time this season against Idaho. His seven touchdowns are tied for third in the nation, now. Six other players share that total with Spann and three players have eight. Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs and California running back Jahvid Best are tied for first with nine.

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