Five games into the season with a bye week and it’s time to give the 2009 NIU football team a midterm.

Defense

Where the NIU defensive line goes, so will the Huskies’ defense.

NIU lost three defensive starters from the 2008 line. Forget about first-round draft pick defensive end Larry English; The loss of defensive end Craig Rusch and tackle Alex Krutsch hurt NIU almost as much.

But the Huskies have shown that their rotation system has produced players ready to set up. Defensive ends Jake Coffman and Brandon Bice have been instrumental to the Huskies’ defense this year.

The only issue is there isn’t much depth behind the starting group. Furthermore, there’s a lot of youth in the middle and in the back-ups.

While this could provide a promising future, it does pose a problem for the here and now.
These players have to be commended, however, as the Huskies have the second best scoring defense in the MAC. NIU ranks No. 35 in the nation in the same statistic.

But that defense has either been phenomenal or pitiful. In its wins, the group has held opponents to three, seven and 21 points. In losses, the defense has let the opposition score 28 and 34 points.

The worst showing had to be against Idaho, where the defense produced only one stop on the Vandals’ nine offensive possessions.

In that game, the defensive line wasn’t able to get pressure. In that game, the defensive line was missing Coffman. This shows why health will be crucial for this defense.

The linebackers and safeties have been solid for NIU thus far. Their experience and leadership have been apparent.

I did question why the Huskies played so much cover two, with cornerbacks 10 yards off the ball at first. But it seems the system is working with for a group with young cornerbacks. Be ready for this look to change, however, as the corners get more experience and confidence.

Offense

Coming into the season, NIU head coach Jerry Kill said that his quarterback, Chandler Harnish, had to grow up.

The sophomore has responded, throwing only one interception in five games. Last year, as a redshirt freshman, Harnish threw nine picks in nine games and a quarter.

While NIU’s passing offense ranks second to last in the MAC and No. 110 in the nation, it has been efficient. The Huskies have the second best passing efficiency in the MAC.

The key — Harnish is keeping the ball safe. NIU doesn’t have the best pass completion percentage, most yards or most touchdowns in the MAC. But the Huskies are the only team to have thrown one interception or less in the conference.

And things may only get better for Harnish.

NIU’s wide receivers have shown growth. While the group isn’t the most productive in the MAC, it has youth. Of the six top wide receivers, four are freshmen or sophomores.

But the group that deserves the most credit for NIU’s success has been the offensive line. This group has allowed only six sacks this season. And while running backs Me’co Brown and Chad Spann have been fun to watch, they’ll be the first to tell you it all starts up front.

Seniors Eddie Adamski and Jason Onyebuagu have anchored that line. But Adam Kiel, Joe Pawlak and Trevor Olson, all redshirt sophomores, have matched their counterparts’ intensity and blocking.

Losing Adamski and Onyebuagu next year will sting. But this line has enough players to provide a strong foundation for the next couple of seasons.

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