Defensive Line: It’s tough to give a defensive line unit a passing grade when it has totaled just five sacks on the year. To put that into perspective, the Huskies had eight sacks against Miami (Ohio) last week. Opponents have averaged 169.1 rushing yards per game and have totaled 10 rushing touchdowns on the season.

Sophomore defensive end Hasan Hazime is Akron’s best lineman, standing at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds with two sacks on the year. The Zips have four down lineman, though only three play with their hands on the ground before the snap, a scheme that they adopted this year.

“I think [the new scheme has] hurt them a bit depth wise,” NIU offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.

Grade: D

Linebackers: Redshirt freshman linebacker Brian Wagner leads the Zips’ defense with 70 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles this season. The unit, like the defensive line, is adjusting to a new scheme. The Zips line up two inside linebackers in the box with the third linebacker outside the box favoring the offense’s strong side.

“They’re good,” NIU offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “They were making some
mistakes early because of the new scheme, but they’re athletic and getting better and better.”

Grade: C-

Secondary: When your defensive line has only totaled five sacks on the year, the secondary usually suffers as a result. But the Zips’ secondary has held its own, giving up only 182.7 passing yards per game. Sophomore defensive back Manley Waller leads the unit with two interceptions. Senior defensive back Wayne Cobham is second on the team in tackles with 37.

Grade: C

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