Tim Brewster didn’t really have much to be proud of in his first season as the head coach at Minnesota.

The Gophers went 1-11 (0-8 Big Ten), and even lost to Football Championship Subdivision North Dakota State.

The team’s only victory of the season came in three overtimes against Miami (Ohio).

However, one bright spot from the 2007 squad was wide receiver Eric Decker.

A two-sport star who also plays for the Gopher baseball team, Decker had a breakout sophomore season, catching 67 balls for a Minnesota school record.

The junior also had 909 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.

For his performance, Decker was given the Bruce Smith Award as the team’s outstanding offensive player.

“Obviously we’ll be aware of where he’s at,” said NIU defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys. “He’s a great player, he made a lot of great plays for them a year ago.”

A big target at 6-2, 215 pounds, Decker is the main target of quarterback Adam Weber.

“I think it will be a challenge for all of us,” said cornerback Melvin Rice, who should see some time opposite Decker on Saturday. “In the MAC there’s big receivers; anywhere you go there’s big receivers.”

Other than Decker, Minnesota’s receiving core is questionable with the exception of tight end Jack Simmons.

If the Huskies look to pull off an upset this Saturday at the Metrodome, stopping Weber’s best target will be key.

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