A Homecoming turning point for CMU?
| Yards | Pts | |
|---|---|---|
| CMU | 273.5 (12) | 21.2 |
| NIU | 346 (10) | 27 |
The last time Joe Novak brought his team into Kelly/Shorts Stadium, it marked the turning point of the Northern Illinois program.
The Huskies — who had endured 24 consecutive losses just a few seasons prior — reeled off 27 unanswered second-half points to overcome a large halftime deficit in the 2001 game at CMU.
From there, NIU went on to win four of its last five games, setting the stage for an 8-4 2002, and ultimately this season’s 5-0 start.
“The last time we were there, it was a real barnburner,” Novak said. “It is because of those situations that we have had success. We have eight or 10 seniors on this team who have played a lot of football and that gives us confidence.”
Confidence is one thing the No. 16 Huskies are not lacking, having wins against Maryland, Alabama and Iowa State already under their belt.
The Huskies are the highest-ranked team ever to play at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“These kids believe in what they are doing,” said CMU coach Mike DeBord. “ They have great talent and are well-coached. When I look at them, the first thing I see is a team that is playing a passion for the game. It comes back to the type of program Joe has set there.”
When DeBord looks at NIU’s program, he hopes he sees the future of CMU football. When Novak inherited the Huskies eight seasons ago, the attitude in DeKalb was much different than it is now.
“Our kids were just sitting back expecting to lose,” Novak said.
| Yards against | Pts | |
|---|---|---|
| CMU | 464.5 (14) | 33.8 |
| NIU | 342 (6) | 17 |
It was not until 2001, when the Huskies began to make their breakthrough. Darrell Hill’s touchdown kickoff return to open the second half in Mount Pleasant started the momentum that has carried over to this day.
“We’re the ones laughing now,” said senior linebacker Nick Duffy.
Even with an injury to senior wideout/returner Dan Sheldon, Novak has many offensive weapons. Senior receiver P.J. Fleck caught 14 passes for 285 all-purpose yards in last week’s overtime win against Ohio, earning him MAC and USA Today.com Player of the Week.
“He means more to his team than any other receiver in the country,” Novak said. “That was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in my 37 years of coaching on either side of the ball. He belongs on some All-American list.”
The NIU athletic department has heralded running back Michael Turner for Heisman candidacy. The senior rushed for just under 2,000 yards last season and leads the MAC with 557 yards.
Redshirt-sophomore quarterback Josh Haldi has been as good, carrying the MAC’s fourth-best quarterback rating (143.76). Haldi has thrown 11 touchdown passes and three interceptions.
“We have to keep their offense off the field,” DeBord said. “They’ve got great talent.”
The CMU defense believes it must avoid missed tackles and be aggressive.
“When we get there, we have to hit them in the mouth and let them know this is our house,” said junior linebacker Anthony Tyus, Jr.
While defensive end Travis Moore is out with an ankle sprain, Duffy (54 tackles) and safety Akil Grant (51 tackles) have picked up the slack. They will be put to the test by CMU halfback Terrence Jackson, who had 128 yards rushing last week at Bowling Green.
DeBord said senior quarterback Derrick Vickers had a decent performance in his first start of the season. Vickers went 14-of-27 for 122 yards in the 23-3 loss at Bowling Green.
“He didn’t lose the game for us,” DeBord said. “He played well enough for us to win, but we just didn’t make plays when we needed to make plays.”
DeBord hopes Vickers and his team can make enough plays to hang with the MAC’s best team. And perhaps CMU could enjoy a turning point — one that would come with a Homecoming upset of NIU, which will be no easy task.
“It would be a huge win,” said senior defensive tackle Matt Wohlgemuth. “Even if you throw the rankings out, we know they are a great team. It would give us a lot of confidence.”
