Quarterback: Matt Barr broke Western Illinois’ record for most passing yards in a game last week in a 35-28 win over Sam Houston State. The junior quarterback completed 18 passes for 437 yards and three touchdowns.
“He throws a very catchable ball,” NIU defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
NIU’s coaching staff isn’t the only one aware of Barr’s performance last week. Barr earned the Missouri Valley Football Conference co-Offensive Player of the Week and was the recipient of the College Sporting News national Football Championship Subdivision Player of the Week award.
Grade: B+

Running backs: When your quarterback breaks the single-game record in your school’s history for passing yards in a game, the running game probably wasn’t too much of a factor in the game. But Dre Gibbs still managed to run for 101 yards on 29 carries and a touchdown in the game.
Head coach Jerry Kill and most of his staff are familiar with WIU’s staff and philosophy from their days at Southern Illinois. They believe WIU will start off running the ball. Gibbs will be the main force in that. Fullback Josh Gabelmann only got four carries for 17 yards and quarterback Matt Barr is not known for scrambling. Grade: C+

Wide Receivers: Wide receivers played a big role in WIU’s win last week with quarterback Matt Barr’s 437-yard performance. But it was Lito Senatus who stood out. The junior receiver caught 11 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Barr completed 18 in the contest, meaning Senatus caught about 60 percent of those completions. Tight end Matt Warner caught two passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.
The receiving core is tall; Senatus is 6-foot-3 and Warner is 6-foot-4, and NIU defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said they can jump up and catch very well.
Grade: B+

Offensive Line: WIU’s offensive line gave up one sack to Sam Houston’s defense last week. The line has decent size as well with six lineman weighing 290 pounds or more. The line did a good job giving quarterback Matt Barr time to throw last week. The Leathernecks do have experience anchoring their line. Against Sam Houston State, they started three upperclassmen on the line. However, they also start a redshirt freshman in Max Dancer at center.
Grade: B-

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