These observations are limited because I saw neither the first quarter nor overtime due to ESPN Minus technical difficulties. Also, I can't see any replays except for the two highlights posted on ESPN. It's cute by the way that they refer to "not broadcasting a game they made you pay for in addition to what you pay ESPN in your cable package" as technical difficulties. Like OK, I guess you could say that not seeing the game is "technically" a difficulty, but not really. That was not their finest hour.

-Is there anywhere to see a replay of the game? I went out to ESPN + and it only has the Utah and Florida State games.

-It was great that Harbison finally got the bulk of carries. I love all three backs but you saw what happened when they let Harbison get a lather up. He reminds me of Chad Spann in how hard he is to tackle. And his last TD was about as north and south as it gets. He ran straight into the line full speed and just blasted a guy, great stuff.

-It was also great to see Dennis Robinson get involved. I think he's going to be impossible to cover once he gets established. Let's keep him in the mix.

-Brayden Patton looks like he's making a run at the right guard spot. He started and did well. Whatever improves that unit I'm all for. If that lights a fire under Veloz so much the better.

-Nice to see Brinkman back. He can really help the passing game going forward.

-Looks like Jordan Cole did a nice job filling in for Lance Deveaux because I didn't really notice a dropoff. We have some real nice depth at linebacker.

-An ugly win but I'll take it. EMU is a tough team. Let's go 1-0 again this week. Go Huskies!!

1981-

Always enjoy your recaps.

As far as the ESPN+ (or make that ESPN-)....
I signed for for the 7-day trial and watched with mixed results yesterday.
This morning I signed in and the game was there for replay.
I think you just have to click “see all games”.

The replay is on ESPN+. Still no q1 but works for everything else

This game is pain and simple: All Harbs. The defense dominated EMU and our offense would have been toothless again had our brilliant coaches kept Harbs on the bench. Fortunately he got enough carries to make a huge difference. Still it's not going to be enough unless we find more ways to get him the ball. We got to get him out in the perimeter a few times. He would've broken one had Wesley made a semi decent block in the third quarter. People complain about Harbs blocking. Our WRs pretty much suck at blocking. Our coaches can't even get that right. But we are 2-0 in the MAC and there are positives we can build on. Keep giving it to Harbs but run more than just one play for him. Develop the young receivers and hopefully we can see what Thompson and Hall can bring to the offense. We are not getting much from the QB position and we need a lot more production and consistency.

NIU put up an effort to pull it out, kudos. Others will point out the positives, I see 'em.

I gotta point out EMU had 2 pass drops (one a for sure TD, the other a probable TD) and a really missed FG(kicker swung his leg and missed the ball); any of those go EMU's way and it's their win. We'll need many gifts from opponents to finish 6-6 or better, even with some positives taking shape.

(09-30-2018 05:16 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  The replay is on ESPN+. Still no q1 but works for everything else

Got it, same for me. At least I was able to finally watch overtime.

By the way, I noticed that Ference dropped the ball as he held for the extra point at the end of OT 1. Fortunately it went straight down and he was able to get it upright in time for Gantz. That would have been a brutal way to lose the game.

(09-30-2018 06:10 PM)NIU1981 Wrote:  

(09-30-2018 05:16 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  The replay is on ESPN+. Still no q1 but works for everything else

Got it, same for me. At least I was able to finally watch overtime.

By the way, I noticed that Ference dropped the ball as he held for the extra point at the end of OT 1. Fortunately it went straight down and he was able to get it upright in time for Gantz. That would have been a brutal way to lose the game.

Good catch, I do recall seeing that. Our kick snapping is so suspect this year, I can't remember a year or team where this skill was so weak. Winnin' ugly!

(09-30-2018 06:06 PM)NIU84 Wrote:  NIU put up an effort to pull it out, kudos. Others will point out the positives, I see 'em.

I gotta point out EMU had 2 pass drops (one a for sure TD, the other a probable TD) and a really missed FG(kicker swung his leg and missed the ball); any of those go EMU's way and it's their win. We'll need many gifts from opponents to finish 6-6 or better, even with some positives taking shape.

Positives to me were 1) Robinson sighting - you simply have to find a way to get this guy the ball more, he has all the physical attributes to be great receiver in this league 2) Childers more accurate 3) NIU actually forced the issue on a late 1st half drive instead of conceding the possession like normal 4) Jones-Davis to me as been somewhat of a revelation this year, I think he has played at a level far exceeding what many expected 5) Gantz rebounded nicely in his roller coaster year 6) Team does not quit down 10-0, that felt like a quitting point to me, many teams would have folded (coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for that)

Negatives 1) Still too many wasted possessions and lack of offensive urgency, using that defense as the ultimate crutch has to change if you have serious ideas of contending with Toledo and WMU. 2) fundamentals continue to pop up with false start penalties, bad snaps, etc.

I know EMU is not the greatest team, but they are a solid mid to upper third MAC team this year, and winning on the road is nothing to shake off as not important. Good win for NIU, a win vs Ball State would be huge

I agree completely with MD's assessment. Definitely a game to build from, especially confidence.

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Childers seems to be growing in confidence even if it is slowly. Running game with Harbs will open his game up for both running and passing. Hoping good vibes from this win to carry over next week.

I was pretty impressed with the win. EMU is a tough team! I thought the victory showed a lot of character for this group, to go on the road and grind one out. It wasn't the prettiest at times but thats okay.

I was impressed with Cole Tucker and his punt returning. I said it earlier, he's not going to break one but he is showing to be very reliable. He took some pops too. I like him!

Dennis Robinson is quite the specimen. He showed some potential, and could be a great weapon as he develops. God knows we need it at WR.

Antonio Jones Davis was electric. Great energy on the field and made some athletic plays. Glad he has stepped up with the departure of JJ and a less than 100% Kyle Pugh.

I thought the O-line run blocked well and I can't remember Childers running for his life much?? I saw Hawn in on that last overtime. They seem to be rotating through the deep O-line roster.

The defense played well and I felt like the Offense gave them plenty of rest for once.

Childers made a couple nice throws and was able to extend some plays with his feet. I thought it was his best game. He seems comfortable and hopefully he can keep improving.

I'm optimistic right now. Ball State seems to be ready to rumble too. Muncie could be interesting.

(09-30-2018 06:20 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(09-30-2018 06:06 PM)NIU84 Wrote:  NIU put up an effort to pull it out, kudos. Others will point out the positives, I see 'em.

I gotta point out EMU had 2 pass drops (one a for sure TD, the other a probable TD) and a really missed FG(kicker swung his leg and missed the ball); any of those go EMU's way and it's their win. We'll need many gifts from opponents to finish 6-6 or better, even with some positives taking shape.

Positives to me were 1) Robinson sighting - you simply have to find a way to get this guy the ball more, he has all the physical attributes to be great receiver in this league 2) Childers more accurate 3) NIU actually forced the issue on a late 1st half drive instead of conceding the possession like normal 4) Jones-Davis to me as been somewhat of a revelation this year, I think he has played at a level far exceeding what many expected 5) Gantz rebounded nicely in his roller coaster year 6) Team does not quit down 10-0, that felt like a quitting point to me, many teams would have folded (coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for that)

Negatives 1) Still too many wasted possessions and lack of offensive urgency, using that defense as the ultimate crutch has to change if you have serious ideas of contending with Toledo and WMU. 2) fundamentals continue to pop up with false start penalties, bad snaps, etc.

I know EMU is not the greatest team, but they are a solid mid to upper third MAC team this year, and winning on the road is nothing to shake off as not important. Good win for NIU, a win vs Ball State would be huge

How can make your point #2 on the “positives”, and at the same time say that Childers isn’t being “developed”. Throughout his career, which by the way is now a carrier with more experience than Graham and Maddie, he has continually missed open receivers, especially on deep passes. In spite of this he has basically taken every snap since last year’s KSU game. If he is now, as you say, getting more accurate, is this not a testament to the staff’s commitment to his development? They have given him every opportunity to succeed. It has been an ideal developmental situation for Childers.

Hawn was in because Ryan Roberts was out with what looked like an ankle injury. I didn't look at the starting oline that close but I think Veloz was not playing because of injury as he was standing on sidelines behind the oline when the Offense was off the field.

Childers is still a 50 percent passer and isn't a good enough runner to make up for his inconsistent arm. Still would love to see what Thompson and Hall can do...

(09-30-2018 07:11 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Childers is still a 50 percent passer and isn't a good enough runner to make up for his inconsistent arm. Still would love to see what Thompson and Hall can do...

I actually agree with this; but his passing mediocrity is not due to the fact the he has not been given every opportunity to develop. He is our QB for two reason, he takes care of the football reasonably well. and he is a better than average runner. Given the incredible strength of our defense, these are two important attributes.

Doesn't really mean much coming from a guy who thinks every play to Harbison is an RPO...

(09-30-2018 07:31 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Doesn't really mean much coming from a guy who thinks every play to Harbison is an RPO...

You win; I’m done.

(09-30-2018 04:58 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  1981-

Always enjoy your recaps.

As far as the ESPN+ (or make that ESPN-)....
I signed for for the 7-day trial and watched with mixed results yesterday.
This morning I signed in and the game was there for replay.
I think you just have to click “see all games”.

Thank you by the way for the heads up on how to watch the replay.

(09-30-2018 06:18 PM)NIU84 Wrote:  

(09-30-2018 06:10 PM)NIU1981 Wrote:  

(09-30-2018 05:16 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  The replay is on ESPN+. Still no q1 but works for everything else

Got it, same for me. At least I was able to finally watch overtime.

By the way, I noticed that Ference dropped the ball as he held for the extra point at the end of OT 1. Fortunately it went straight down and he was able to get it upright in time for Gantz. That would have been a brutal way to lose the game.

Good catch, I do recall seeing that. Our kick snapping is so suspect this year, I can't remember a year or team where this skill was so weak. Winnin' ugly!

...And it was to be a strength pre-season. We should go for it on 3-1 because punting is no sure thing anymore.

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(09-30-2018 07:10 PM)NIUSAE Wrote:  Hawn was in because Ryan Roberts was out with what looked like an ankle injury. I didn't look at the starting oline that close but I think Veloz was not playing because of injury as he was standing on sidelines behind the oline when the Offense was off the field.

Yeah, I thought Veloz was injured last week but not 100% sure I remember that correctly.

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