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NIU defense helps Huskies lead SN MAC rankings |
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Thursday, May 27 2010 |
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DeKALB, Ill. – With 16 starters returning, including 10 on the defense that ranked No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference and 30th in the nation a year ago, the Sporting News has tabbed Northern Illinois as the No. 49 team in the country in its preseason Top 100 list.
Northern Illinois is the highest-rated Mid-American Conference team in the Sporting News’ preseason Top 100 and is listed ahead of 2010 non-conference foes Iowa State (No. 82), Illinois (No. 94) and Minnesota (No. 98).
Three of NIU’s 2010 league opponents - Temple (No. 63), Central Michigan (No. 73) and Buffalo (No. 95) – earned a place in the Top 100, as did MAC East teams Bowling Green (No. 66), Ohio (No. 69) and Kent State (No. 87). The Huskies will not face those teams during the 2010 regular season.
Alabama and Ohio State are ranked as SN’s No. 1 and 2 teams, respectively, while the Huskies’ 2010 International Bowl opponent, the University of South Florida, is No. 52.
Northern Illinois made its second straight bowl appearance in 2009 and finished the season 7-6 in Head Coach Jerry Kill’s second year at the helm. The Huskies open the 2010 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Iowa State before starting their 2010 home schedule Saturday, Sept. 11 versus North Dakota at Huskie Stadium.
Courtesy of NIU Athletics |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, May 27 2010 )
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