Huskie tailback Chad Spann must be eating his Fruit Loops lately: He’s been following his nose more than Toucan Sam.

Only Spann’s nose doesn’t lead him to cereal; it leads him to the endzone.

After a two-touchdown performance against Akron this week, Spann is tied for the No. 5 ranking nationally in scoring.

Spann has scored 14 touchdowns so far this season, 13 of which have come on the ground.
The junior halfback also has 593 rushing yards on the year, after gaining 125 yards against Akron.

Spann could sniff at the 1,000-yard mark if he can reel off 100-yard performances in NIU’s final four games this season. On Thursday, Spann will face a defense in Eastern Michigan that is giving up 277 rushing yards a game.

Last year was the first in nine years an NIU running back failed to reach 1,000 yards.


MAC West Players of the Week

As the sun split through the clouds to light up Huskie Stadium Saturday, so did two of NIU’s players.

NIU running back Chad Spann and kicker Mike Salerno were named the MAC West Offensive Player and Specialist of the Week, respectively.

On a windy day in DeKalb, Salerno was able to make field goals of 22 and 37 yards. The kicker’s real impact was apparent in the punting game, though. Salerno averaged 52.7 yards on three punts, and constantly had the Zips in bad field position.

Spann had his fifth multiple-touchdown game of the year against Akron this weekend, and also rushed for a team-high 125 yards.


Needing to kick the habit

For the third time this season, NIU placekicker Mike Salerno had a field goal blocked.

After having two kicks blocked against Toledo on October 17, Akron was able to get to the ball in the first half and prevent a score.

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