Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith, OT Max Scharping


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Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith and offensive tackle Max Scarping pose for a picture at Mid-American Conference Media Day at Ford Field on June 24.

Central Michigan Life's Evan Petzold spoke with Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith and offensive tackle Max Scharping to preview Central Michigan's 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 game against the Huskies in DeKalb, Illinois. 

Northern Illinois finished with a 8-5 (6-2, Mid-American Conference) record in 2017. The final mark included a 31-24 loss to CMU, in which former quarterback Shane Morris rallied the Chippewas in the fourth quarter. 

The Huskies are 0-2 to start 2018 after losing 33-7 to Iowa and 17-6 to Utah. 

Smith and Scharping discuss preparing for a young team like Central Michigan, the desire for revenge and the advantages of playing at Huskie Stadium in this exclusive Q&A.

Sutton Smith

Central Michigan Life: What do you know about Central Michigan, especially after a tough loss in 2017?

"They are a good team and fight hard. We had a disappointment in the second half last year. We took our foot off their throat and they came back to win. It's as simple as that." 

Is there a hunger for revenge this time around? 

"It's more than a hunger. It's not a revenge, but it's time the tables turn."

Do you consider Central Michigan a rival? 

"They are one of our rivals. Not a main one, but there's a target." 

How do you prepare for a young team like Central Michigan?

"We approach it the same way as if they had their players from last year because guys have to step up. They have to make things happen, so everyone always has a chance to shine. It's going to be a little different approach, but still will be a hard-nosed game. It's a good little football game. I like it." 

How much will home field advantage help?

"I like playing teams at other place, but I love my home stadium with a crowd behind us. It's an advantage for us." 

Max Scharping 

Central Michigan Life: What are your expectations of playing Central Michigan on Saturday?

"They are always a hard-nosed football team and play tough. It's always a good game when we play them, so we know it'll be physical. We need to play every single play to the best of our ability."

Is there a revenge factor for you after last year's 31-24 loss in Mount Pleasant? 

"Yeah, you always feel that way if you've lost to a team. We want to get them back, and will get there eventually. It definitely pumps us up."

How does the departure of a few top players for Central Michigan change your approach? 

"We prepare the same way, but it's different on the field. On game day, we let that motivate you." 

Do you remember any players you went head-to-head against as an offensive lineman? 

"Joe Ostman. We battled it out for a couple of years. He's one of the best guys I've had to block in the Mid-American Conference. In the MAC, it's a next guy up mentality. I know whoever CMU brings in will be playing hard. Obviously, it hurts to lose Joe because he made such an impact but someone will step up."

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