Northern Illinois Huskies: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
Northern Illinois Huskies: Key To The 2022 Offense
Just be a weeeeeee bit more accurate and consistent with the passing game.
The ground attack will be among the best in the country – it should average well over 200 yards per game again. Now Rocky Lombardi and the passing game have to make defenses pay.
Lombardi hit just 58% of his throws. He might not be Aaron Rodgers, but as long as he’s able to get to around 65% or so, the offensive could become lethal.
There’s no excuse for a team with this running game to convert just 38% of its third down chances. That comes with hitting a few more throws.
Northern Illinois Huskies: Key To The 2022 Defense
Seriously, start taking the ball away.
The run defense has 100 miles to go to be merely mediocre if there aren’t major changes after last year, and the pass rush that was among the worst in the nation has to be steadier.
Just take the ball away.
Northern Illinois was able to win the MAC Championship and have a way-fun season even though the defense couldn’t do much of anything right at times. Life would be easier with takeaways.
Last year’s defense spread out nine fumble recoveries over the 14 games, and it generated a mere three interceptions. One came against Eastern Michigan, two in the MAC Championship win over Kent State.
There need to be more.
That’s why …
Northern Illinois Huskies: Key Player To The 2022 Season
DE Devonte O’Malley, Soph.
He’s big enough be a tackle but will work on the end. Either way, he’s been the team’s top pass rusher over the last two seasons with a whopping two in 2020 and four last season.
The linebackers provide most of the tackles for loss. The line has to get to the quarterback more.
Northern Illinois Huskies: Key Transfer
WR Shermar Thornton, Sr.
He didn’t do much over the last two seasons at FIU with just five catches for 27 yards, but he’s going into his sixth season with the speed and deep threat ability to give the Huskies a dangerous home run hitter. He averaged 13.6 yards per catch with 73 grabs and nine touchdowns with the Panthers.
Northern Illinois Key Game To The 2022 Season
Toledo, Oct. 8
The Huskies get a dangerous Toledo team in DeKalb.
It’s the oasis in the middle of a road game sandwich with two road games before and two right after. However, outside of the date with Kentucky, those away games are more than gettable.
Beat Toledo, and it sets the tone to take another West title. Lose, and the dates with Central Michigan and at Western Michigan are even more important.
Northern Illinois Huskies: 2021 Fun Stats
– Rushing Yards Per Game: NIU 241.4 – Opponents 214.4
– 4th Down Conversions: 26-of-31 (84%) – Opponents 12-of-29 (41%)
– Total Points: Opponents 472 – NIU 451
Offense, Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
Northern Illinois Top 10 Players | NIU Schedule