By John Agovino Aug 21, 2007, 16:35 GMT
OFFENSE: For years now the Huskies have been a power running team and hopefully that philosophy will continue this season, despite losing RB Garrett Wolfe who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 scores a year ago. NIU has had a 1,000- yard runner for eight consecutive seasons and Montell Clanton will look to push that to nine. However, Clanton only has 204 yards over the past two season and lacks experience. Also hurting Clanton's chances is the loss of three-time All- MAC lineman Doug Free. The team does return three starting linemen so hopefully the ground game will not suffer too much. The Huskies will also have a new QB, however, Dan Nicholson does have some experience, starting five games in his career, one of which being the 2005 MAC title game. The junior should have little trouble finding receivers as Marcus Perez and Britt Davis combine to form one of the better tandems in the conference, logging a collective 87 catches, 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns in '06.
DEFENSE: Over the past few seasons the Huskies have been an offensive powerhouse, but if the team is gong to succeed this year it will have to rely on its defensive play. Larry English is without question the anchor of the unit and is coming off an outstanding season in which he collected 12.5 sacks. Craig Rusch is another returning starter and although he has experience, he lacks size. The groups strength is the linebackers where Tim McCarthy is the main man. For two straight years, McCarthy has recorded more than 100 tackles and should continue to play at an exceptionally high level. The team also returns Cory Hanson and will have the luxury of a healthy Phil Brown who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Usually when a club loses three starters in the secondary it spells trouble, but that is not the case for NIU. Mark Reiter is a tremendous strong safety, and sophomore Spencer Williamson should do an excellent job at free safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The Huskies have one of the more impressive kicking games in the MAC as Chris Nendick holds several school records and is coming off a season in which he nailed 20-of-27 field goal attempts. Andy Dittbenner has also been a solid punter for the Huskies and is entering his third season. The return position is still up in the air, but expect either Perez or Davis to take the reigns.
OUTLOOK: It will be interesting to see if coach Joe Novak can produce another 1,000-yard runner. If NIU can put forth a consistent ground attack look for the Huskies to compete for the MAC East title, especially with the talent they possess on defense. The three toughest games of the year for NIU will take place away from home, as the Huskies will have to face Wisconsin, Central Michigan and Navy. It might not be pretty at times, but the Huskies should be able to record their eighth consecutive winning season.
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