Jackie Thyfault: So Jimmy, if you haven’t been living under a rock this week, you must have noticed that NIU fell to Toledo yet again in its matchup last Saturday. Some people might say the Huskies are cursed when they go up against the Rockets. What do you think?

Jimmy Johnson: This subject really wraps my brain with confusion. Going into this game, it appeared the Huskies were going to rake in a W. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in curses; after all, I am a Cubs fan. But I feel this situation has different circumstances. To make another baseball reference, this reminds me of how the White Sox seem to always struggle against the Oakland A’s. For whatever reason, the Rockets seem to have NIU’s number.

JT: Maybe I’m just a little superstitious, but I feel like an NIU fan must have tried to bring in their pet goat into the Rockets’ stadium or something. It seems like the Huskies are just doomed when it comes to that team. All you have to do is look at their history.

In its last 20 meetings, NIU has gone 2-18 when facing Toledo. Last time I checked, we were not the Lions. A record like that is just unbelievable.

JJ: Perhaps someone could have brought a rocket into the game instead of a goat... Well then again, I’m sure that wouldn’t have been allowed, nor am I condoning that. But I think it’s not about bringing in an animal, or calling in a priest, or any other voodoo trickery. Simply, the Huskies just need to find a way to beat Toledo. We have to get over this hump and beat up on this bully that seems to repeatedly take our lunch money.

And I’m sorry, but anyone who considers this a rivalry is wrong. That would mean that NIU and Toledo would be trading punches, and it seems like, lately, NIU’s been down for the count for too many rounds.

JT: The question then becomes: Why has NIU been down for so long? Over the last few years, NIU has been progressing well as a team. It would stand to reason that its record against Toledo would reflect that, but its overall record of 29-8 certainly does not.

And if you’ve been a frequent spectator at Huskie Stadium, you might have noticed the team tends to do better at home.
Despite all that, the Huskies have only won twice against the Rockets at home since 1979.

JJ: I’d imagine this is very frustrating for head coach Jerry Kill and his players. Especially for senior players who have experienced this losing streak against Toledo. However, putting this unpleasant trend in the past is all the Huskies can do right now.

My advice to the football team would be simply carpe diem, or “seize the day.” Instead of having this on their mind, game plan for Miami (Ohio) and lay a whooping on it and all the rest of its 2009 opponents.

JT: And remember to eat a big bowl of Lucky charms before its next game against Toledo. Just in case.

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