The defending Mid-American Conference champion Northern Illinois University football team begins practice today at 3:15 p.m. at Huskie Stadium. NIU is coming off back-to-back 11-win seasons and two-straight bowl wins and open the 2012 season at Soldier Field in Chicago when the Huskies take on Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1. Below are a few articles to prep you for Soldier Field Showdown III, the upcoming season and the conference outlook.Fred Mitchell, Chicago Tribune
NIU seeks redemption at Soldier Field
Steve Nitz, Daily Chronicle
VIEWS: What to watch for during preseason practice
Tom Fornelli, CBSSports.com
MAC preview: Consistently inconsistent, making for entertaining football
