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Northern Illinois

Huskies

DeKalb, ILMAC

Northern Illinois main
Kingfish60559, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Team History

In the last 17 years have won 5 MAC championships and appeared in 13 bowl games, including the Orange Bowl. This will be their last season in the MAC before moving on to the Mountain West next season. They will go from their furthest conference opponent last year (Buffalo) being a 600 mile drive away, to their closes conference opponent next year (Wyoming) being a 900 mile drive away. Enjoy.

Quick Facts

Peak of Program

It has to be the run at the early 2010's. They had five consecutive 10 win seasons across 3 different coaches. They picked up wins over Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Purdue, and Northwestern on this run. In the Orange Bowl they were trailing FSU by 7 in the 4th quarter at one point.

Rock Bottom

In 96-98 while transitioning into the MAC they went 3-30 over three seasons. They were 0-2 vs FCS schools during this period, losing each game by at least 2 touchdowns.

Best Ever Player

Jordan Lynch (QB, 2010–2012): Heisman finalist (3rd in 2013), set FBS single‑season QB rushing record (1,751 yards) and led the Huskies to the Orange Bowl.

Best Ever Coach

Dave Doeren (2011–2012): Delivered MAC titles in both seasons and the program’s first BCS bowl appearance. The only season in their history where they appeared in the final AP poll.

Stadium

Huskie Stadium (Brigham Field)

First Season

1899

Enrollment

21,000