SOLHEIM PHOTO GALLERY

By Russell Houghtaling | Posted at 9:11 am on Friday, August 21, 2009

Check out this photo gallery from the 2009 Solheim Cup, where NIU men's and women's golfers are working as ball spotters. As you know, the event is being held at Rich Harvest Farms, Home of Huskie Golf.

GREAT DAY FOR THE MAC

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2009

While it doesn't directly affect Northern Illinois, Thursday was a great day for the "Michigan MAC" schools.  In what is being dubbed the "Celebrate the State" football series, it was announced that Michigan State would play 12 games against Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan over the next 10 seasons.  That includes a total of four road games at Kelly-Shorts Stadium (CMU), Rynearson Stadium (EMU) and Waldo Stadium (WMU). Don't forget that NIU will host Kansas at Huskie Stadium in 2012.  Folks, there is big time football in the MAC, and don't let anyone tell you there isn't! 

WOMEN'S SOCCER PICKED SEVENTH IN PRESEASON POLL

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 8:53 am on Friday, August 21, 2009

The preseason Mid-American Conference women's soccer poll was released Thursday, and has the Huskies slated seventh, ahead of Ohio (8th), Western Michigan (9th), Ball State (10th), Akron (11th) and Buffalo (12th).  NIU opens the regular season next Friday (Aug. 28) at Valparaiso.  

WELCOME COACH PORTEN!

By Brett McWethy| Posted at 8:46 am on Friday, August 21, 2009

Tom Porten, who is more than familiar with golf in the Mid-American Conference, was hired as the next head men's golf coach at Northern Illinois Thursday.  A native Ohioan, Porten has also served head coaching stints at Cleveland State and Akron, along with spending one season as the associate head coach at Kent State.  You can read the MAC Daily's recap, as well. 

SCOUTING THE TRIGGER PULLERS

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 8:30 am on Friday, August 21, 2009

With camp winding down, Northern Illinois head coach Jerry Kill is now focused on who his starters and primary contributors will be in the Sept. 5 season opener at Wisconsin (just 15 days away).  The Huskies blared music from the press box and donned full pads for Thursday's session and extended scrimmage.  Of particular focus for NIUHuskies.com were the quarterbacks.  Chandler Harnish's importance has been well-documented, but what about the battle for the No. 2 spot, and the newbies that have had a chance to throw the ball around a little bit?

HUSKIE BASH REHERSAL

By Joe Summins | Posted at 3:57 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2009

NIU FOOTBALL AT HUSKIE BASH TODAY!

By Joe Summins | Posted at 11:31 am on Thursday, August 20, 2009

MEN'S BASKETBALL NOT SHYING AWAY

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:10 am on Thursday, August 20, 2009

By now, you've probably had a chance to view the NIU men's basketball team's 2009-10 schedule, which was released late Wednesday afternoon.  The slate includes three Big Ten Conference opponents, and a total of 10 games versus teams that made 2009 postseason appearances.  John Sahly of the DeKalb Daily Chronicle caught up with head coach Ricardo Patton to break down the schedule a little more.  Check it out!

NORDIN SHAKES OFF RELEASE, SIGNS WITH VIKINGS

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:23 am on Thursday, August 20, 2009

Everyone else in Minneapolis might be excited about the arrival of Brett Favre.  Everyone in this office is sick of it, and we're excited about something else -- the recent signing of former Huskie standout Jake Nordin.  The Minnesota native will suit up for the Vikings in Friday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.   

WRAPPING UP WEDNESDAY'S PRACTICE SESSION

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:04 am on Thursday, August 20, 2009

We featured the kickers and punters on NIUHuskies.com Wednesday, and John Sahly of the DeKalb Daily Chronicle also did his part, as well.  He caught up with quarterback Chandler Harnish for a video interview, and his practice report Sahly touches on some unexpected linebackers standing out in practice.  That's called a tease -- now read the blog! 

ENGLISH UPDATE

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 8:59 am on Thursday, August 20, 2009

While it now appears that Larry English will not play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals, English continues to remain positive, and rehab his sore hamstring during training camp practices. Check out this story featuring English, who speaks about switching from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3, and how he looks forward to learning from Shawne Merriman.    

DRINKS FROM THE CUP

By Russell Houghtaling | Posted at 9:32 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The LPGA's 2009 Solheim Cup practice rounds are currently underway at Rich Harvest Farms, the home golf course of the Huskies. Check out Drinks from the Cup, the NIU Athletics blog from the even to hear from Huskie golfers, coaches, and administrators as they volunteer at the event.

ENGLISH RETURNING TO CHARGERS PRACTICE FIELD?

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:18 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Former Northern Illinois standout Larry English, who has been held out of San Diego Chargers practice thus far, ran well on a side field on a hill above the Chargers field Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.  San Diego head coach Norv Turner described English's practice prospects as "day-to-day," but English hopes to play in the next preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.  

A LITTLE EXTRA MOTIVATION?

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:13 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The MAC Daily posted its women's soccer season preview and team-by-team capsules Wednesday, and has the Huskies slated ninth in the 12-team prediction.  Judged by NIU's shutout win over Northwestern in the exhibition opener, we'd like to think this prediction is a little premature ... that's why they play the games.     

SAHLY'S TUESDAY BLOG

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 8:56 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Check out Tuesday's blog entry from the DeKalb Daily Chronicle's John Sahly ... he touches on the constant improvement of both freshman wide receiver Martel Moore and defensive end Sean Progar, among many other things.  

YOUNG HUSKIE WIDEOUTS CATCHING ON

By Joe Summins | Posted at 8:50 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

With seven of the 14 NIU wide receivers freshmen, including five true freshmen, the Huskies' returning wideouts are going to have to step up and provide leadership to the young group if they are to be successful. Here's a video previewing this year's group.

WRAPPING UP MONDAY'S PRACTICE COVERAGE

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:12 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Plenty of great coverage from Monday's football two-a-day session at Huskie Stadium. Read our summary of the 2009 defensive line HERE (see the video below), and check out John Sahly's video interview with Chad Spann following the evening session.

STARTING OFF WITH A BANG

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:24 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Northern Illinois women's soccer team posted a 1-0 win over host Northwestern in the first exhibition game of the 2009 season Monday in Evanston. Check out the MAC Daily's summary right here.

SOLHEIM CUP QUICKLY APPROACHING

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:35 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Practice rounds for the 2009 Solheim Cup are underway, and we've got your exclusive coverage!  The Huskie men's and women's golf teams are staffing the event, and will be blogging about their experiences.  Check out the first entry, and set aside some time to read this Daily Herald story.  Also, read in this Daily Chronicle feature story how Rich Harvest Farms (the home of Huskie golf) and the LPGA started a partnership for this annual event. 

  Sam Hurd IMPRESSING AT COWBOYS CAMP

By Brett McWethy | Posted at 9:52 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Check out this great story by the Associated Press on former Northern Illinois football star Sam Hurd, who has been impressive early in the Dallas Cowboys camp.  He hauled in a team-high five catches in Dallas' preseason opener.  With No. 1 receiver Roy Williams hampered by an early-season wrist injury, Hurd could be called upon to be one of Tony Romo's "go-to" wideouts this season.  

DEFENSIVE LINE PREVIEW

By Joe Summins | Posted at 5:45 pm on Monday, August 17, 2009

Here's another video in our continuing position-by-position preview series. Today we take a look at the defensive line. NIU lost three starters from its front four, including first-round draft pick Larry English. Be sure to check www.niuhuskies.com later this evening for a detailed breakdown of the position, as well as a recap of today's practice.

VOLLEYBALL SETS GOALS

By Zach Peters | Posted at 10:24 am on Monday, August 17, 2009

The Huskie volleyball team has just a week of practice under its belt so far, but already has set its goals for the season.  Find out what the goals are by reading Chris Dertz's article that ran in the Northern Star on Friday.

WOMEN'S SOCCER IN ACTION

By Joe Summins | Posted at 9:59 am on Monday, August 17, 2009

The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team plays an exhibition game this afternoon when the Huskies head to Evanston to take on Northwestern. Game time is set for 1 p.m. Fans can follow all the action live via Gametracker at www.niuhuskies.com. This will be NIU's lone tune up beofre it opens the 2009 campaign Friday, August 28 at Valparaiso. NIU plays its first five games on the road before its home opener Sunday, Sept. 13 when the Huskies play host to Loyola-Chicago.

NIU IN THE NFL

By Joe Summins | Posted at 9:59 am on Monday, August 17, 2009

It was a busy weekend for the nine former Huskie football players in the NFL over the weekend. Two Huskies made their NFL debuts, while a few of the veterans stood out in their first preseason game of the season.

Larry English, the 16th overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, has been a little nicked up during camp and sat out the San Diego Chargers preseason game with the Seahawks Saturday night. However, he's expected back on the practice field this week and might play at Arizona this weeknd.

Michael Turner was the game's leading rusher in the Falcons' 27-26 loss to the Detroit Lions. Turner, who is in his second season with Atlanta, scored the Falcons' first touchdown of the game on a 40-yard run in the first quarter. He finished the game with 63 yards rushing on six carries.

Garrett Wolfe saw considerable playing time in the Chicago Bears' first preseason game, a 27-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Wolfe continues to shine on special teams, recovering a muffed punt in the first quarter, to set up the Bears initial score of the game, a 23-yard field goal. The third-year running back finished with nine yards rushing on three carries, including an eight-yard run, and had two receptions for eight yards.

Sam Hurd and Doug Free were in action in Oakland as the Dallas Cowboys took on the Raiders. Hurd was the top receiver in the game, with five catches for 79 yards and a long of 30 yards. The Cowboys fell to the Raiders 31-10.

Britt Davis had an impressive debut for the New York Jets in its preseason opener against St. Louis. Davis, who signed a free agent contract with New York this past spring, was the Jets third-leading receiver with 33 yards on two receptions. The Rams edged out the Jets 23-20. No word if former Huskie and current Ram Hollis Thomas was in on any of the tackles on Davis.

NIU's other free agent signee of 2009, Matt Simon, had his first pro catch in the New Orleans Saints' 17-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Simon made a 14-yard grab in the Saints' final series of the game.

Ryan Diem's Indianapolis Colts fell to the Minneapolis Vikings, 13-3, in Indianapolis. Diem and the Colts had the services of Peyton Manning for only one series and most of the other offensive starters left with him.

NEW TOY FOR NIU FOOTBALL

By Joe Summins | Posted at 9:32 am on Monday, August 17, 2009

NIU's defensive linemen have had a new toy to play with at camp this summer. Former Huskie defensive end Craig Rusch, a mechanical engineering major, and two of his classmates, Britt Mork and Chris Newquist, invented a cut-block sled. Jon Styf of the Daily Chronicle caught up with the trio to talk about the project in this story.

HAVE A HAPPENING?

By Russell Houghtaling | Posted at 9:22 am on Monday, August 17, 2009