Oct. 23, 2008

Nate Rakoczy

NIU Media Relations

Craig Rusch entered the 2005 season knowing that he had a tough job ahead of him to get playing time. The defense returned starting end Ken West and senior Quince Holman from the 2004 Silicon Valley Bowl team. Sophomore Erek Benz and fellow redshirt-freshman Larry English were also slated to get playing time ahead of Rusch after spring practice.

But being listed as the third string right end didn't stop Rusch. He showed up and practiced hard every day knowing that he had chances to move up the depth chart. With strong performances during the spring, at practice and in the weight room, the coaching staff was realizing the potential and work ethic the Hilbert, Wis. native had.

In the third game of the season against Tennessee Tech, Rusch finally received some playing time. In limited time, Rusch showed his athletic ability and skill to the coaches. The redshirt freshman tallied two tackles, one pass deflection and a QB pressure.

As the weeks went by, Rusch kept receiving more reps in practices and he prepared himself like he would be starting.

"I had to be ready to step out on that field at any moment," said Rusch. An unfortunate injury to Larry English gave Rusch his opportunity during the 2004 Homecoming game against Eastern Michigan. English, who started five previous games, was not fully healthy. Despite not being listed on the two-deeps all season and only playing in one previous game against Tennessee Tech, Rusch had the vote of confidence from NIU head coach Joe Novak and received the starting nod.

"I was really excited, there's nothing better than that first start," he said.

Unsure all week if he would start, since English was a game-time decision, the redshirt freshman prepared hard for his opponent.

"I wanted to know everything about the guy lined up across from me," he said, "I watched a lot of film that week. I wanted to beat the guy anyway I could."

Rusch did not receive word from Novak that he would start until just before kickoff. "I was anxious and ready to go," he said.

A crowd of over 27,000 filled Huskie Stadium on a beautiful mid-October Saturday afternoon. The Huskies came in with a 2-3 record and were looking to break over the .500 mark in MAC play and post two consecutive wins for the first time in 2005. Eastern Michigan entered the game with a 3-3 record and was 2-1 in the conference. This was a must-win game for Northern Illinois if they wanted to stay in contention for the MAC West title.

Rusch helped the Huskie defense get off to a fast start as the Eagles were unable to get a first down on three first quarter possessions.

With great field position, Garrett Wolfe and AJ Harris pounded the ball down the field for the Huskie offense and both scored in the opening quarter, giving NIU a 14-0 lead after the first 15 minutes of play.

The second quarter turned out to be a defensive battle as both teams were held scoreless.

NIU held the Eagles to 81 yards on 30 plays in the opening half. Rusch played solid in his first half of his college career ending up with three tackles. His second half would prove to the coaches that they made the right decision to start him.

In the middle of the third quarter, a botched snap on a punt put EMU on the NIU 29-yard line. The Eagles ran a reverse to A.J. Bennett, and Rusch sniffed it out, tackling Bennett for a 14-yard loss. On the next play, Alvah Hansbro intercepted John Bohnet's pass.

"A big play like that always gives us more momentum," he said. Rusch was able to show off his athletic ability again in the third quarter. Up 14-3, on a third and short, Rusch deflected a pass forcing a fourth down and a field goal attempt. The Eagles made the field goal, pulling to within eight.

In a Hollywood-like ending, Rusch saved his best play for last. Late in the fourth quarter, on a first down, Rusch was able to get around the left tackle and sacked Bohnet. The massive hit jarred the ball loose and Ken West recovered the fumble for the Huskies. NIU was able to run out the clock and posted a 24-8 victory.

The NIU defense turned in a dominating performance, holding the Eagles to only 174 total yards on 63 plays.

Rusch's first collegiate start is a game that he will always remember. He racked up seven tackles, one sack, forced a fumble, deflected a pass and had one QB pressure. That performance got the attention of the Huskie coaching staff and Rusch found himself starting the next three games.

"I came off that field with a lot of confidence," he said.

Rusch finished his freshman campaign with 39 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and tied for the team lead in sacks with five and was named a third team Freshman All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com.

Coming back from a knee injury that cut short his 2007 season, Rusch continues to be a force on a Huskie defense that is only surrendering a MAC best 289.4 yards per game.