Five years ago we win the MAC with this team. Overall quality of MAC has skyrocketed the past decade.

Reference WMU. There is no other team I'd rather beat. Primarily for my dislike of PJ. His glorifying self was fake when I was playing at NIU and I see that only amplified. Never seen a coach make a bolder attempt to garner more personal attention over the team in it's entirety. With that said, I wouldn't be disappointed in a loss to them. Top recruiting hype etc; they've been the favorites for a minute now and still couldn't get it down. Our shabby 2* inner city and corned fed boys were never really shown love and were still world beaters for years now. Perpetual underdog. I take great pride in that and believe that's what makes the hole of Dekalb a special place. Regardless if we only take two this year our roots are humble and proven.

(07-26-2016 03:58 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(07-26-2016 03:51 PM)WeAreHuskies Wrote:  

(07-18-2016 02:19 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Looking at this schedule, man oh man is it brutally front-loaded. It wouldn't shock me if NIU went into the CMU game with a single win. I figure SDSU, USF, and WMU are losses. BSU a likely loss, but winnable. I figure NIU will split Wyoming and WIU. I will go with 2 wins. Of course may be hard to project at this point, if Hare doesn't play, NIU could be 0-6 headed into the CMU game.

*laughs uncontrollably*

Honestly? I think this team is being underrated. The key will be keeping people healthy. If we have Drew, I absolutely believe that we could win 5 or 6 to start the year. The one L I would really say there's a very good chance of is the USF game (and we could even possibly win that one). SDSU we can win, Wyoming is pretty awful, WIU we win of course, Ball State we win, WMU still can't find the formula to beat us. Let's have a little more faith people.

I don't think USF or WMU is winnable but the other 4 games are winnable. If Hare plays and NIU plays well , 4-2 is a possibility, but not likely, I think 2-4 or 3-3 is more likely. That is not a complete trashing of NIU, 3 of NIU's first 6 games are against very tough opponents.

SDSU at home (after losing their QB) is definitely winnable, USF will be very tough. WMU we can beat. It's a mental thing and maybe a strategy thing. Toledo was undefeated coming into our game in 2015, and we won without Drew. It's the same mind/stategy games with PJ. I have zero clue how/why we would lose to WIU, Balls Tate or Wyoming. BSU only if they surprise us big time and you have to be out of your mind if you think the terrible Wyoming Cowboys (talked to a Wyoming fan friend about it, his instant thought is that NIU would win) or FCS WIU. 5-1 or 6-0. That's the mark we should hit, if not we will be underachieving.

We lost our QB last year at game 9. Our offensive is run first and really that mitigates the need for a strong throwing QB. Our QB's job is not to screw it up, our running game will take of yardage.

I was at the Penn State game (a very very winnable game for us). First half was horrific as were a couple of critical bad calls that cost us 14 points. Our QB at the time (a Kentucky Grad transfer) was getting drilled by the PSU D line, second half adjustments came in and that was resolved.

Home field advantage is intangible that can make a huge difference and by the record its obvious the Huskies have that advantage. I just throw up in my mouth when I read we are being compared to Directional Michigan anything.

MWC Media days yesterday and today. Good interesting link about the Aztecs:

http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/7/26/1...-preseason

Looking forward to Sept!

(07-26-2016 10:32 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  On paper I'd give WMU an edge because they have more offensive difference makers but the fact WMU is away makes it a much more difficult game.

WMU lost Braverman... and we no longer have our back up QB in starting. We'll be fine

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
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You act as if that's the only factor. Looks like NIU lost 4 All-MAC 1st teamers which will obviously play a factor. What happened to "last year is last year"?

People are off their Fn rockers! 1 win? 3 or 4? We have built a MAC powerhouse in Dekalb… we do things the HARD WAY. We will be undefeated going into this game…mark my words.

Just win baby

(07-27-2016 11:59 AM)Red Dog Wrote:  People are off their Fn rockers! 1 win? 3 or 4? We have built a MAC powerhouse in Dekalb… we do things the HARD WAY. We will be undefeated going into this game…mark my words.

Just win baby

Now no defensive line, I guess they are pushing "The Hard Way" to a new level.

The offensive will have to keep us in games until the defensive line gets going.

What’s our starting D line looking like? Who do the starters appear to be?

Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

(07-31-2016 10:51 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

Somewhat agree. MAC as a whole is must better. Scheduling has to set us up for success too. We picked two of the best non power five teams to play which is a trap. We lose to Ohio State we might get some respect. We beat Ohio state we're on espn headlines for the next two years. We play SDSU and lose, we're looked at negatively for losing to a non power 5. We beat SDSU, who cares...does nothing for us in rankings, prestige or national respect.

(07-31-2016 11:52 AM)Suptroop Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:51 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

Somewhat agree. MAC as a whole is must better. Scheduling has to set us up for success too. We picked two of the best non power five teams to play which is a trap. We lose to Ohio State we much get some respect. We beat Ohio state we're on espn headlines for the next two years. We play SDSU and lose, we're looked at negatively for losing to a non power 5. We beat SDSU, who cares...does nothing for us in rankings, prestige or national respect.

I don't think anyone will look negatively on NIU if they lose to WMU, SDSU, or USF, those are the three best G5s in the nation right now. You might be right they wont get as much credit as they deserve if NIU were to upset any one of those teams though.

(07-31-2016 10:51 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

Couldn't some of the double digit win seasons be considered a byproduct of weak scheduling? Not trying to diminish some great teams but the MAC schedule always offers up a couple borderline FCS games and OOC has also had a lot of terrible teams. The schedule has gotten a lot tougher with one upcoming year even playing three road P5 teams. I don't get the sense recruiting has stepped up along with the schedule though so double digit win seasons may become far and few. It may also become a grind to get bowl eligible some seasons if the team starts slow OOC.

(07-31-2016 11:58 AM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:51 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

Couldn't some of the double digit win seasons be considered a byproduct of weak scheduling? Not trying to diminish some great teams but the MAC schedule always offers up a couple borderline FCS games and OOC has also had a lot of terrible teams. The schedule has gotten a lot tougher with one upcoming year even playing three road P5 teams. I don't get the sense recruiting has stepped up along with the schedule though so double digit win seasons may become far and few. It may also become a grind to get bowl eligible some seasons if the team starts slow OOC.

I think its the easy way out to say that, and Id agree with that had NIU not dominated Big 10 competition as of late.

(07-31-2016 11:58 AM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:51 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(07-31-2016 10:37 AM)Huskie Pol Wrote:  Wins: Wyoming, WIU, Ball St. & WMU. Losses:. SDSU, USD. WMU, despite all the rowing was a 7-5 (6-2) team last year and there's little new, and nothing improved thus year. Two losses will be close, giving some more optimistic types belief in the possibility of a 10 win season. This in an 8 win season -- at best.

Double digit win seasons will be a luxury going forward, not a given. That's not a knock on the team. They've just taken a slight step back while a few other MAC teams have taken a step up. Add the improvements in OOC scheduling and 8-10 wins will be the norm over the next coming seasons.

Couldn't some of the double digit win seasons be considered a byproduct of weak scheduling? Not trying to diminish some great teams but the MAC schedule always offers up a couple borderline FCS games and OOC has also had a lot of terrible teams. The schedule has gotten a lot tougher with one upcoming year even playing three road P5 teams. I don't get the sense recruiting has stepped up along with the schedule though so double digit win seasons may become far and few. It may also become a grind to get bowl eligible some seasons if the team starts slow OOC.

It's at least somewhat true. The MAC isn't a powerhouse but NIU has some decent OOC wins.

At least it says NIU will provide SDSU with a test. SDSU at #32

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/13390

Quote:The Hype isn't about WMU being a good team or not, but rather a team capable of capturing the MAC West.

They tied with CMU, NIU, and Toledo for #1 in the MAC West. Being better this year coming in isn't hype. Now, the betting odd differential between WMU & Toledo/NIU -- yes, that gap for WMU is due to hype. Yes. But that's it's not all-hype to be a pre-season favorite. Big difference between than and a runaway favorite, which yes, I do strongly disagree with.

One is not a 'pretender' for 'merely' tying for #1 last year, and coming in with a great conf schedule setup (sans @CMU) with a more improved team to some degree. NIU's lost its luster of being the a given-runaway favorite, and is not locked & reloaded to take over the MAC. That's a major reason why it's not "all hype" to give the if-I-HAD-to-bet-$10 nod to WMU (or anyone else who would be in their position), from the outside looking in.

Preseason MAC favorites don't mean much anyway. But if you look at a team like @WMU and think "Pshaw, we got this game. History tells me so," well, don't go to Vegas every Saturday betting on games. Not a good mindset to have. You would have bet against WMU in 2012 & 2014 for losing @CMU when they didn't, as CMU has had far more history beating WMU in Mt. P than NIU has dominating the West.

Don't trust the gut & emotion. Anything can happen in the MAC West.

Quote:We play SDSU and lose, we're looked at negatively for losing to a non power 5. We beat SDSU, who cares...does nothing for us in rankings, prestige or national respect.

Depends though. If you beat SDSU last year where they went undefeated in the Mountain West -- good national respect, notably if you do well. I believe it boils down to how well they do, and how well you do. If they beat 2 P5s and lose to you and Boise this year -- all while you're riding the top of the MAC -- oh heck yes. It does you and the MAC good.

(08-02-2016 03:22 PM)toddjnsn Wrote:  

Quote:We play SDSU and lose, we're looked at negatively for losing to a non power 5. We beat SDSU, who cares...does nothing for us in rankings, prestige or national respect.

Depends though. If you beat SDSU last year where they went undefeated in the Mountain West -- good national respect, notably if you do well. I believe it boils down to how well they do, and how well you do. If they beat 2 P5s and lose to you and Boise this year -- all while you're riding the top of the MAC -- oh heck yes. It does you and the MAC good.

Boise is (as usual) overrated. They lose much of their D and O lines. They will lose to Air Force and possibly another MWC team and NOT make it to the Championship. Shame, as we hope to play them.

First 4 games for the Aztecs will determine how well we do (or not). I know the coaches (and most fans) are not taking NIU lightly.

(08-02-2016 08:50 PM)McQuervo Wrote:  

(08-02-2016 03:22 PM)toddjnsn Wrote:  

Quote:We play SDSU and lose, we're looked at negatively for losing to a non power 5. We beat SDSU, who cares...does nothing for us in rankings, prestige or national respect.

Depends though. If you beat SDSU last year where they went undefeated in the Mountain West -- good national respect, notably if you do well. I believe it boils down to how well they do, and how well you do. If they beat 2 P5s and lose to you and Boise this year -- all while you're riding the top of the MAC -- oh heck yes. It does you and the MAC good.

Boise is (as usual) overrated. They lose much of their D and O lines. They will lose to Air Force and possibly another MWC team and NOT make it to the Championship. Shame, as we hope to play them.

First 4 games for the Aztecs will determine how well we do (or not). I know the coaches (and most fans) are not taking NIU lightly.

Why would anyone take the winningest G5 program from the last six years lightly at home? Especially in Huskie stadium where NIU is 30-2 in the last six years.