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http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/...orts02.txt

Viewpoint: NIU's season had its share of up-and-down moments
By Bobby Narang - Staff Writer


DeKALB - The pain will return the day after Christmas. The message boards will heat up with anti-Huskie talk again. And ESPN will show another clip of Domenik Hixon's touchdown.

Yes, the Northern Illinois football team didn't want to end its season with another heartbreaking loss to Akron in the final seconds. The painful defeat had several players with moist eyes in the locker room following Akron's 31-30 victory over Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference Championship game.

The nature of the loss - the Huskies led 27-17 with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter - added to the frustration. The fact that Toledo, which had beaten just two winning teams, received a bowl bid further infuriated fans.

In the eyes of NIU's fans, the Huskies should've received a bowl bid. How dare the Huskies be left out of the bowl picture? Northern Illinois Athletic Director Jim Phillips, a man who has created more miracles in his 16-month tenure than John Elway, couldn't even work his magic and land a bowl bid. Instead of working an 18-hour shift, Phillips should've worked around-the-clock.

Fans flooded the message boards and even called Phillips' office complaining of the MAC title loss. A fire Joe Novak and Denny Doornbos campaign was in the works. The expectations were out of control. The fans, stuck in a state of disbelief, expected and demanded quick action to avoid a repeat of another disaster in the championship game.

Do I think the Huskies made a few mistakes against Akron? Of course. I still don't understand the play-calling on NIU's final drive. It reminded me of the loss at Illinois, when Chris Finlen was trying to engineer a game-winning drive, but was hampered by the strange set of plays. This was not a situation to be conservative.

I knew that the Huskies couldn't give the ball back to the Zips. An explosive Akron offense with a quarterback like Luke Getsy getting a second life against a tired and young defense is not a combination favorable to the Huskies.

A fact overlooked in the loss was the injury to A.J. Harris. Garrett Wolfe picked up the slack with 270 yards and two touchdowns, but the Huskies missed the blocking and hard-running style of Harris. Last year Harris led the Huskies to a bowl victory by running over Troy's defense. Injuries devastated a tired NIU defense in the final minutes, and freshman quarterback Dan Nicholson finally showed his youth and proved he was human after all.

Lost in the hoopla of the Huskies, though, was the state of the program heading into the season. This wasn't the team that was expected to break the MAC title curse. Too young, too many holes to fill and question marks at too many positions and not enough depth.

How did the Huskies reach such a high level of expectations?



Five true freshmen and six redshirt freshmen played significant roles for the Huskies. People forget that Novak used to take pride in redshirting all of the incoming freshmen. Did Novak suddenly realize the importance of playing freshmen a la Joe Paterno? No.

A lack of playmakers at several key skill positions forced Novak's hand. The loss of senior linebacker Javan Lee, wide receiver Marcus Perez and right tackle Matt Rogers in the preseason put a big dent in depth chart. The Huskies sorely missed Lee's experience and athletic talent. He would've helped solidify a young defense looking for an identity. Perez was the missing deep threat, and was an emerging talent after a strong freshman season. Redshirt freshman Jon Brost was forced to start at Michigan after Rogers was declared ineligible just prior to the opener. Brost's main concern before the sudden promotion was not straying too far from the cooling fans on the bench. Can you imagine what Novak was thinking when he was forced to start a freshman on the line in front of 110,000 fans in a matter of hours?

And yet, everything turned out fine.

The Huskies - and Brost - defied expectations and achieved several milestones.

The Huskies overcame a 1-3 start, injuries to Wolfe, Harris and starting quarterback Phil Horvath, a gut-check home defeat to Ball State and a two-game gauntlet at Central Michigan and Toledo.

The 2005 Huskies definitely showed a knack for overcoming adversity. The Huskies were deficient at punt and kick returning. They never produced a touchdown on defense. They didn't register any key turnovers on defense until late in the season. They lacked the leadership of past teams. They had more holes on defense than swiss cheese, but recorded the school's first trip to the MAC Championship game.

The stress of the season and annual rise in expectations took a toll on the friendly and honest Novak.

This year Novak elected to keep his words short and his trademark smile was missing. The Huskies had slowly evolved from Cinderella to the Queen of the MAC. They were expected to win. And win big. A few minutes prior to the Miami-Ohio game, a sports editor at a Chicagoland paper wanted me to write an article on the need to fire Novak.

He wanted results and called for an Urban Meyer clone to take the Huskies to the next level. Novak was too predictable and the Huskies needed an infusion of youth on the sidelines. Reporters are paid for not thinking like fans who are driven by emotion. The problem with emotion is that it clouds judgment.

It's my belief that the 2005 season was Novak's best coaching job of his 10-year tenure.



The Huskies won seven games with a make-shift lineup and played two Big 10 teams to the wire. Novak shuffled the ever-changing cards and turned the Huskies into a winning program. Doornbos did a fantastic job dealing with the influx of freshmen, utilizing several different combinations throughout the season. The defensive coordinator didn't have the luxury of putting Lee, Nick Duffy and Brian Atkinson in the lineup week after week.

The trip to the Silicon Valley Classic helped put the Huskies on the map last year. A MAC Championship game berth solidified the Huskies as a team to contend with every season. The future looks even more promising. Wolfe will be at the center of another NIU Heisman Trophy campaign, Horvath and Nicholson will be locked in a yearlong battle at quarterback and the best thing about using so many freshmen is they become sophomores.

The best is yet to come. Big-time recruits are trickling in, and the Huskies will learn from the one-point loss to Akron. The loss will spur the soon-to-be sophomores in the many years to come. And expectations will be out of control.

Bobby Narang - reveal yourself!

Great article

lol woooooo i got publicity again! I actually met the guy at the huskie celebration after the SVB last year and he interviewed me and later told me that he has used several of my quotes on the board (right after I told him that i was HF38) So that was a pleasent surprise, and he dosn't have a username, he just reads the boards.

We have a larger impact than I thought! We are a news source!! WOOO We should all get media passes for xmas.

I am Sparticus!!

Hmmmmm... Now I wonder who it was that suggested that we needed to fire Denny Doorknob???? ;-)

I still insist that he is neither a game day tactician nor a good teacher. Why did so many freshmen have to play? Even less talented players should have at least been in position to make the plays and they weren't.

Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

Be fair...he writes for the Chronicle...a daily paper for an area where publishing so often is just excessive.

And to whatever extent this board represents fan opinion, that post-loss meltdown and hissy fit on the board, no matter how embarassing, are worth at least a throw away line or two in an article of that nature.

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

I figured that would out ya, Bobby. lmfao

HuskieDan Wrote:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

I figured that would out ya, Bobby. lmfao

Dick "Fn" Tracy. Huskie"Bob" boy huskiedan, you are super sleuth. ;-) ;-)

HuskieDan Wrote:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

I figured that would out ya, Bobby. lmfao

Wrong again, Dan. There are a few things even YOU don't know!

Huskiefan38 Wrote:lol woooooo i got publicity again! I actually met the guy at the huskie celebration after the SVB last year and he interviewed me and later told me that he has used several of my quotes on the board (right after I told him that i was HF38) So that was a pleasent surprise, and he dosn't have a username, he just reads the boards.

We have a larger impact than I thought! We are a news source!! WOOO We should all get media passes for xmas.

I'm stoked. Think there's any chance for me to get a byline in some porno rag? :banned:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

I figured that would out ya, Bobby. lmfao

Wrong again, Dan. There are a few things even YOU don't know!

lmfao lmfao lmfao OK "Bob". lmfao

Bob - you're a fine reporter. I just consider reading message boards for content to be weak for a real reporter. A good writer can make a point without relying on message board opinion to make his points.

PS - has a writer looked into HIPAA laws with regards to injuries?

I'm stoked. Think there's any chance for me to get a byline in some porno rag? :banned: [/quote]

I was under the impression that EVERYTHING dog fan wrote was a......

BI LINE!

lmfao

He used the message boards to assess the NIU fans opinions. He then wrote his article to make several points. It isn't like everyone lives in DeKalb or NIU has the coverage that pro teams get. An example would be the Bears Orton vs. Grossman debate where everyone talked about it including editorials in newspapers, Radio and TV (including Walter Jacobson's perspective). I'm sure multiple articles were written and prompted by these opinions in newspapers, TV, radio, etc. NIU just doesn't get that type of coverage. Nice job Booby!

P.S. Bobby, I sat at your table for the P.J. Fleck fundraiser at Fatty's earlier this year.

I think its pretty SWEET that we get media coverage for just blabbering! hahaha cool keep it up bobby thanks for the articles!

Here is an exchange that I had with Bobby earlier this month.


12/1/05

Bobby -

Thanks for all the great coverage of the Huskies!

Keep it up.

Thanks,
Jim aka SarasotaHuskie

12/6/05

Jim,
I just got my email restored. Thanks for the kind words. The team and staff at NIU make my job so easy and enjoyable. What do you think about the season? I think they overachieved considering their youth, problems with Rogers, Perez and Lee and injuries.


12/7/05

Bobby -

It was a strange, up-and-down season. I'm happy with what the team achieved - over the Toledo hump, making it to the MACC game, competitive with B10 teams - a little disappointed with the overall record and lack of a bowl game.

However, the program is solid, and I look forward to next year.
I plan on being in Columbus for the opener.

If you don't already do so, check out the message board at http://www.ncaabbs.com It is going through a changeover yesterday and today, but it is the main hangout for Huskie fans.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work!

Go Huskies,
Jim

HuskieDan Wrote:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:

huskiebob Wrote:

HuskieDan Wrote:Writing about message boards is what you do when you can't come up with your own content.

That's a CHEAP SHOT!


Message Boards are a good place to guage fan opinions. And, shouldn't fan feedback be part of the content in an article about a game or team?

Because all pro teams and most major D-1 programs have message boards, they are a handy place for a reporter to read opinions of a lot of dedicated fans. It's a lot more reliable source than quoting one or two individual fans. I think reporters use them in stories more than we know. Give Bobby Narang credit for being honest about his source!

As for "coming up with your own content," in the case of NIU football, keep in mind that Bobby (or any reporter) does not have the type of access that reporters have to pro teams. Joe and his coaches can control the flow of information pretty tightly. Players can be told not to comment and they usually comply. A prime example of this was the Craig Rusch "mystery injury." Joe SHOULD have been more open about the nature of the injury, but he chose not to talk about it.

If you've read Bobby Narang since he's been with the Chronicle, you'd realize that he's a good reporter that has gotten better and better with experience. He is still young, but it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to write for a major newspaper.

I figured that would out ya, Bobby. lmfao

Wrong again, Dan. There are a few things even YOU don't know!

lmfao lmfao lmfao OK "Bob". lmfao

Bob - you're a fine reporter. I just consider reading message boards for content to be weak for a real reporter. A good writer can make a point without relying on message board opinion to make his points.

PS - has a writer looked into HIPAA laws with regards to injuries?

How do you know it isn't me? Hmm. Robert=Bob.