20052005 OpponentsOpponents // Mid-AmericanMid-American
Miami (OH) LB Terna Nande (32) / All-America Candidate
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MICHIGAN NORTHWESTERN TENNESSEE TECH Saturday, Sept. 3, 3:30 pm (EDT) Saturday, Sept. 10, 3 pm (CDT) Saturday, Sept. 17, 3:05 pm (CDT) GameMichigan Stadium 1 GameRyan Field 2 GameHuskie Stadium 3 Television: ABC Regional Television: ESPN Classic Television: Comcast SportsNet 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule S 3 Northern Illinois S 3 Ohio S 3 at UT-Chattanooga S 10 Notre Dame S 10 Northern Illinois S 8 Lambuth S 17 Eastern Michigan S 17 at Arizona State S 17 at Northern Illinois S 24 at Wisconsin S 24 Penn State S 24 at Eastern Kentucky O 1 at Michigan State O 8 Wisconsin O 1 Murray State O 8 Minnesota O 15 at Purdue O 8 at Tennessee-Martin O 15 Penn State O 22 at Michigan State O 13 Tennessee State O 22 at Iowa O 29 Michigan O 29 at Jacksonville State O 29 at Northwestern N 5 Iowa N 5 Samford N 12 Indiana N 12 at Ohio State N 12 at Eastern Illinois N 19 at Ohio State N 19 at Illinois N 19 Southeast Missouri
2004 Results (6-5, 3-4) 2004 Results (9-3, 7-1) 2004 Results (6-6, 5-3) Lloyd Carr Randy Walker Gardner-Webb W, 32-26 Mike Hennigan Miami (OH) W, 43-10 at TCU L, 48-45 at South Florida L, 21-7 at Notre Dame L, 28-20 Arizona State L, 30-21 at VMI W, 16-10 San Diego State W, 24-21 Kansas W, 20-17 at Murray State L, 34-15 Iowa W, 30-17 at Minnesota L, 43-17 UT-Martin W, 49-20 at Indiana W, 35-14 Ohio State W, 33-27 UT-Cattanooga W, 52-34 Minnesota W, 27-24 Indiana W, 31-24 Jacksonville State W, 16-13 at Illinois W, 30-19 at Wisconsin L, 24-12 at Samford L, 20-17 at Purdue W, 16-14 Purdue W, 13-10 Eastern Illinois W, 40-37 Michigan State W, 45-37 at Penn State W, 14-7 at SE Missouri St. L, 31-28 Northwestern W, 42-20 at Michigan L, 42-20 Eastern Kentucky L, 19-18 at Ohio State L, 37-21 Jason Avant Illinois W, 28-21 Tim McGarigle D. McMahan Texas L, 38-37 at Hawaii L, 49-41
Coaching Information Coaching Information Coaching Information Head Coach ...... Lloyd Carr Head Coach ...... Randy Walker Head Coach ...... Mike Hennigan Alma Mater ...... Northern Michigan, 1968 Alma Mater ...... Miami (OH), 1976 Alma Mater ...... Tennessee Tech, 1973 Record at Michigan ...... 95-29 (10 Seasons) Record at Northwestern .... 30-41 (Six Seasons) Record at Tennessee Tech... 48-50 (9 Seasons) Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... 89-76-5 (15 Seasons) Career Record ...... Same Offense ...... Multiple Offense ...... Multiple I (Spread) Offense ...... Multiple Defense ...... 3-4 Defense ...... Multiple 4-3 Defense ...... Multiple Staff: Eric Campbell (WR), Mike DeBord (ST), Staff: Jerry Brown (DB), Greg Colby (DC), Mike Staff:Doug Malone (OC/QB), Ted Lockerby (DC/ Ron English (DB), Jim Herrmann (CD/LB), Fred Dunbar (OC), Pat Fitzgerald (LB), Jack Glowik S), Billy Blizzard (DL), John Chandler (RB), Jackson (RB), Scot Loeffler (QB), Terry Malone (TE), Kevin Johns (RB), Garrick McGee (WR), Russ Ehrenfeld (OL), Marty Steward (LB) (OC/TE), Andy Moeller (OL), Steve Stripling (DL) James Patton (OL), Eric Washington (DL) Team Information Team Information Team Information 2004 Record ...... 6-5, 3-4 OVC (5th) 2004 Record ...... 9-3, 7-1 Big Ten (T-1st) 2004 Record ...... 6-6, 5-3 Big Ten (4th) Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 8/3 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 5/6 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 5/6 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 39/14 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 48/22 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 37/17 Stadium ...... Tucker Stadium (16,500) Stadium ...... Michigan Stadium (107,501) Stadium ...... Ryan Field (47,130) Sports Information Sports Information Sports Information Football Contact ...... Michelle Cunningham Football Contact ...... David Ablauf Football Contact ...... Mike Wolf Office Phone ...... 931-372-6139 Office Phone ...... 734-763-4423 Office Phone ...... 847-491-7503 E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] Fax ...... 931-372-6139 Fax ...... 734-647-1188/7390 Fax ...... 847-491-8818 Web Site ...... www.ttusports.com Web Site ...... www.mgoblue.com Web Site...... www.nusports.com Golden Eagles To Watch Wolverines To Watch Wildcats To Watch Trey Bonner (RB, 168 att., 795 yards, 7 TD); Chad Henne (QB, 240-399-12, 2743 yards, 25 Brett Basanez (QB, 247-460-9, 2838 yards, 12 Derek White (RB, 169 att., 636 yards, 7 TD); TD); Michael Hart (RB, 282 att, 1455 yards, 9 TD); Terrell Jordan (RB, 65 att., 315 yards, 3 TD); Brent McNeal (WR, 42 rec., 565 yards, 8 TD); TD); Jason Avant (WR, 38 rec., 447 yards, 3 Mark Philmore (WR, 54 rec., 633 yards, 2 TD); Dave McMahan (FS, 45 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 PBU); TD); LaMarr Woodley (LB, 70 tackles, 16 TFL) Tim McGarigle (LB, 151 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 INT) The Series The Series The Series Northern Illinois leads ...... 1-0 First Meeting ...... 0-0 Northwestern leads ...... 0-5-1 See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information
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AKRON MIAMI (OH) EASTERN MICHIGAN Saturday, Sept. 24, 6 pm (EDT) Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6:35 pm (CDT) Saturday, Oct. 15, 3:05 pm (CDT) GameRubber Bowl 4 GameHuskie Stadium 5 GameHuskie Stadium 6 Television: TBA Television: ESPN2 Television: Comcast SportsNet 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule S 10 at Purdue S 3 at Ohio State S 1 at Cincinnati S 17 at M. Tennessee St. S 10 Central Michigan S 10 Louisiana-Lafayette S 24 Northern Illinois S 17 at Kent State S 17 at Michigan O 1 Central Michigan S 28 Cincinnati S 24 at Central Michigan O 8 at Buffalo O 5 at Northern Illinois O 1 Kent State O 15 at Miami (OH) O 15 Akron O 8 at Toledo O 22 Army O 22 at Eastern Michigan O 15 at Northern Illinois O 29 at Bowling Green O 29 at Temple O 22 Miami (OH) N 5 at Ball State N 5 Buffalo N 5 vs Western Michigan N 15 Ohio N 15 Bowling Green N 12 Ball State N 24 Kent State N 21 Ohio N 19 at Buffalo
2004 Results (8-5, 7-1) 2004 Results (6-6, 5-3) 2004 Results (4-7, 4-4) J.D. Brookhart Indiana State W, 49-0 Montgomery Jeff Genyk at Penn State L, 48-10 at Michigan L, 43-10 Buffalo W, 37-34 M. Tennessee St. L, 31-24 at Cincinnati L, 45-26 at Florida L, 49-10 at Virginia L, 51-0 Ohio W, 40-20 Toledo L, 42-32 at Kent State W, 24-19 at Marshall L, 33-25 Eastern Illinois L, 31-28 at Northern Illinois L, 49-19 Kent State W, 47-27 Idaho L, 45-41 Buffalo W, 44-21 at Buffalo W, 25-7 at Ball State W, 31-24 at UCF W, 26-21 UCF W, 43-7 at W. Michigan W, 35-31 Ball State W, 35-23 Toledo W, 23-16 at Bowling Green L, 41-20 Marshall W, 31-28 at W. Michigan W, 42-21 Central Michigan W, 61-58 at Ohio W, 31-19 at Akron W, 37-27 at Kent State L, 69-17 Miami (OH) L, 37-27 D. Hixon Toledo L, 35-27 Josh Betts Northern Illinois L, 34-16 Wellock Iowa State L, 17-13 Coaching Information Coaching Information Coaching Information Head Coach ...... J.D. Brookhart Head Coach ...... Shane Montgomery Head Coach ...... Jeff Genyk Alma Mater ...... Colorado State, 1988 Alma Mater ...... North Carolina State, 1990 Alma Mater ...... Bowling Green, 1982 Record at Akron ...... 6-5 Record at Miami ...... First Season Record at Eastern Michigan ...... 4-7 (1 Season) Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... Same Offense ...... Multiple Offense ...... Multiple Offense ...... Spread Defense ...... 4-3 Defense ...... 4-3 Defense ...... 4-3 Staff: Matt Wallerstedt (LB), Jim Pry (OC/QB), Staff: Craig Aukerman (LB), Tim Cooper (DB), Staff:Howard Feggins (OC/WR), Jay Peterson (DC/ Jim Fleming (DC/S), Brian Callahan (OL), Mark Matt Hohman (OL), Jay Hood (DL), Bret Ingalls LB), Joe Palka (CB), Dick Flynn (TE), Scott Nori (TE), Aaron Alford (DB), Joe Moorhead (T/TE), Taver Johnson (DC), DeAndre Smith Isphording (QB), Robert Lee (DT), Matt McPherson (WR), Bill Bleil (RB), Terrell Williams (DL) (RB), Brian Von Bergen (WR), Rusty Wright (ST) (S), Chris Symington (OL), Scott Weaver (RB)
Team Information Team Information Team Information 2004 Record ...... 6-5, 6-2 MAC - East (2nd) 2004 Record ...... 8-5, 7-1 MAC East (1st) 2004 Record ...... 4-7, 4-4 MAC West (4th) Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 5/6 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 8/3 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 5/6 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 42/19 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 40/16 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 35/16 Stadium ...... Rubber Bowl (31,000) Stadium ...... Yager Stadium (27,000) Stadium ...... Rynearson Stadium (30,200)
Sports Information Sports Information Sports Information Football Contact ...... Shawn Nestor Football Contact ...... Vince Frieden Football Contact ...... Jim Streeter Office Phone ...... 330-972-6292 Office Phone ...... 513-529-4327 Office Phone ...... 734-487-0317 E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] Fax ...... 330-374-8844 Fax ...... 513-529-6729 Fax ...... 734-485-3840 Web Site...... www.gozips.com Web Site ...... www.muredhawks.com Web Site...... www.emich.edu/goeagles
Zips To Watch RedHawks To Watch Eagles To Watch Brett Biggs (RB, 185 att., 971 yards, 10 TD); Josh Betts (QB, 267-442-14, 3495 yards, 23 TD); Eric Deslauriers (WR, 84 rec., 1267 yards, 13 Domenik Hixon (WR, 66 rec., 882 yards, 6 TD); Ryne Robinson (WR, 65 rec., 932 yards, 4 TD); TD); Matt Bohnet (QB, 228-434-12, 21 TD); Jason Montgomery (WR, 42 rec. 466 yards, 4 Terna Nande (LB, 86 tackles, 9 TFL, 3.5 sacks); Rontrell Woodruff (SS, 73 tackles, 3 INT); TD); Jay Rohr (LB, 67 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 sacks) John Busing (LB, 93 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 INT) Andrew Wellock (PK, 21-23 FG, long 52)
The Series The Series The Series Northern Illinois leads ...... 5-3 Miami Leads ...... 7-3 Northern Illinois leads ...... 20-13-2 See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information
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KENT STATE BALL STATE CENTRAL MICHIGAN Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 pm (EDT) Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:05 pm (CDT) Saturday, Nov. 5, 1 pm (EST) GameDix Stadium 7 GameHuskie Stadium 8 Kelly/ShortsGame Stadium 9 Television: TBA Television: Comcast SportsNet Television: TBA 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule S 3 at Michigan State S 3 at Iowa S 2 Indiana S 10 Southeast Missouri St. S 10 Bowling Green S 10 at Miami (OH) S 17 Miami (OH) S 17 at Auburn S 17 at Penn State S 24 at Ohio O 1 Boston College S 24 Eastern Michigan O 1 at Eastern Michigan O 8 Western Michigan O 1 at Akron O 15 at Navy O 15 Toledo O 8 at Army O 22 Northern Illinois O 22 at Ohio O 15 Ohio O 29 at Western Michigan O 29 at Northern Illinois O 29 Toledo N 5 Bowling Green N 5 Akron N 5 Northern Illinois N 12 Buffalo N 12 at Eastern Michigan N 12 at Western Michigan N 24 at Akron N 19 Central Michigan N 19 at Ball State
2004 Results (4-7, 3-5) 2004 Results (5-6, 4-4) 2004 Results (2-9, 2-6) Doug Martin Brady Hoke at Indiana L, 41-10 Brian Kelly at Iowa L, 39-7 Boston College L, 19-11 at Michigan State L, 24-7 Liberty W, 38-10 at Purdue L, 59-7 Southeast Missouri W, 44-27 at Rutgers L, 29-21 at Missouri L, 48-0 Kent State W, 24-21 Akron L, 24-19 Western Michigan W, 41-14 Bowling Green L, 38-14 at Central Michigan L, 24-21 at Toledo L, 52-14 at Northern Illinois L, 42-10 at Miami (OH) L, 47-27 Eastern Michigan L, 31-24 at Toledo L, 27-22 Marshall L, 27-17 at Bowling Green L, 51-13 Western Michigan W, 24-21 Ohio W, 42-16 at Akron L, 35-23 Eastern Michigan L, 61-58 at Buffalo W, 33-7 Northern Illinois L, 38-31 at Buffalo L, 36-6 Eastern Michigan W, 69-17 UCF W, 21-17 Ball State W, 41-40 at UCF W, 41-24 Justin Parrish at Central Michigan L, 41-40 Joey Lynch J. Seymour
Coaching Information Coaching Information Coaching Information Head Coach ...... Doug Martin Head Coach ...... Brady Hoke Head Coach ...... Brian Kelly Alma Mater ...... Kentucky, 1985 Alma Mater ...... Ball State, 1982 Alma Mater ...... Assumption, 1983 Record at Kent State ...... 5-6 (1 Season) Record at Ball State ...... 6-17 (2 Seasons) Record at Central Michigan ...... 4-7 (1 Season) Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... 122-42-2 (14 Seasons) Offense ...... Multiple Offense ...... Multiple Offense ...... Multiple Defense ...... 4-3 Defense ...... 4-3 Defense ...... Multiple Staff:Scott Booker (CB), Larry McDaniels (OLB), Staff: Ted Huber (OL), Mark Smith (DC/LB), Ed Staff: .... Jeff Quinn (OL), Robert Diaco (DC/LB), Jerry McManus (RB), Bill Mottola (OL), Jason Stults (OC/TE/T), Phil Burnett (DL), Eddie Mike Elston (DC/DL), Plas Presnell (OC), Joe Nichols (WR), A.J. Pratt (QB), Pete Rekstis (DC/ Faulkner (RB), Jeff Hecklinski (WR), Eric Lewis Danna (WR), Greg Forest (RB), Tony Dews (T/ S), Zane Vance (ILB), Jon Wauford (DL) (DB), Dennis Moynihan (LB), Stan Parrish (QB) TE), Zach Shay (S), Ernest Jones (CB)
Team Information Team Information Team Information 2004 Record ...... 5-6, 4-4 MAC - East (4th) 2004 Record ...... 2-9, 2-6 MAC - West (6th) 2004 Record ...... 4-7, 3-5 MAC West (5th) Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 7/4 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 9/2 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 39/19 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 40/18 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 37/18 Stadium ...... Dix Stadium (29,287) Stadium ...... Ball State Stadium (22,500) Stadium ...... Kelly / Shorts Stadium (27,000)
Sports Information Sports Information Sports Information Football Contact ...... Jason Tirotta Football Contact ...... Joe Hernandez Football Contact ...... Don Helinski Office Phone ...... 330-672-2254 Office Phone ...... 765-285-8242 Office Phone ...... 989-774-3277 E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] Fax ...... 330-672-2112 Fax ...... 765-285-8929 Fax ...... 989-774-7324 Web Site...... www.kentstatesports.com Web Site...... www.ballstatesports.com Web Site...... www.cmuchippewas.com
Golden Flashes To Watch Cardinals To Watch Chippewas To Watch Derrick Bush (WR, 25 rec. 288 yards, 3 TD); Joey Lynch (QB, 108-169-2, 1126 yards, 9 TD), Kent Smith (188-333-8, 2284 yards, 16 TD); Joshua Brazen (P, 40 punts, 40.3 avg.); Jon Brian Williamson (WR, 21 rec., 168 yards, 2 TD), Jerry Seymour (RB, 262 att., 1284 yards, 5 TD); Sessler (LB, 77 tackles, 14 TFL, 2 sacks); Justin Erik Keys (SS, 84 tackles, 2 PBU, 3 FF), Jason Justin Harper (WR, 39 rec., 526 yards, 5 TD); Parrish (LB, 56 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 14 sacks) Sieman (LB, 68 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks) Thomas Keith (LB, 95 tackles, 8 TFL)
The Series The Series The Series Northern Illinois leads ...... 12-7 Ball State leads ...... 17-13-2 Central Michigan Leads ...... 21-18-1 See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information
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TOLEDO WESTERN MICHIGAN HUSKIE TRAVEL Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7:30 pm (EST) Wednesday, Nov. 23, 12:35 pm (CST) HEADQUARTERS Glass Bowl Huskie Stadium Game 10 Game 11 University of Michigan Television: ESPN2 Television: ESPN2 (September 2-3) 2005 Schedule 2005 Schedule Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest S 1 Western Illinois S 3 at Virginia 1275 South Huron Street S 10 Western Michigan S 10 at Toledo Ypsilanti, MI 48197 S 17 at Temple S 17 Southern Illinois Telephone: AC 734 / 487-2000 S 27 at Fresno State S 24 at Temple (Charter Bus) O 8 Eastern Michigan O 1 Buffalo O 15 at Ball State O 8 Ball State Northwestern University O 22 Buffalo O 22 at Bowling Green (September 9-10) O 29 at Central Michigan O 29 Kent State North Shore Skokie Hotel N 4 at Ohio N 5 vs Eastern Michigan 9599 Skokie Blvd. N 16 Northern Illinois N 12 Central Michigan Skokie, IL 60077 N 22 at Bowling Green N 23 at Northern Illinois Telephone: AC 847 / 679-7000 (Charter Bus) 2004 Results (9-4, 7-1) 2004 Results (1-10, 0-8) at Minnesota L, 63-21 Tom Amstutz Bill Cubit University of Akron at Kansas L, 63-14 Tennessee-Martin W, 42-0 (September 23-25) at E. Michigan W, 42-32 at Virginia Tech L, 63-0 Temple W, 45-17 at Illinois L, 30-27 Hilton Akron Ball State W, 52-14 at Ball State L, 41-14 3180 West Market Street at W. Michigan W, 59-33 Toledo L, 59-33 Akron, OH 44333 Ohio W, 31-13 Eastern Michigan L, 35-31 Telephone: AC 330 / 867-5000 Central Michigan W, 27-22 Northern Illinois L, 59-38 (Charter Flight) at Miami (OH) L, 23-16 at Central Michigan L, 24-21 at Bowling Green L, 52-0 Kent State University at N. Illinois W, 31-17 (October 21-22) Bowling Green W, 49-41 Miami (OH) L, 42-21 Miami (OH) W, 35-27 Gradkowski at Marshall L, 31-21 Greg Jennings Hilton Akron Connecticut L, 39-10 3180 West Market Street Akron, OH 44333 Coaching Information Coaching Information Telephone: AC 330 / 867-5000 Head Coach ...... Tom Amstutz Head Coach ...... Bill Cubit (Charter Flight) Alma Mater ...... Toledo, 1977 Alma Mater ...... Delaware, 1975 Record at Toledo ...... 36-15 Record at Western Michigan ...... First Season Central Michigan University Career Record ...... Same Career Record ...... 34-18-1 (Five Seasons) (November 4-5) Offense ...... Spread Offense ...... Multiple Defense ...... 4-4 Defense ...... 4-3 Hotel Doherty Staff:John Shannon (OC), Tim Rose (DC), Mike Staff:Scott Shafer (DC), George McDonald (WR), 604 McEvan Street Delvin (OL), Doug Downing (RB), Chris Hedden Chuck Bullough (LB), Tim Lester (QB), Jake Clare, MI 48617 (TE), Randall McCray (LB), David Walkosky Moreland (TE), Steve Morrison (DL), Brian Rock Telephone: AC 989 / 386-3441 (OLB), Dennis Winston (DL), Jon Carr (WR) (RB/ST), Mike Sullivan (OL), Paul Williams (DB) (Charter Bus) University of Toledo Team Information Team Information (November 15-17) 2004 Record ...... 9-4, 7-1 MAC West (T-1st) 2004 Record ...... 1-10, 0-8 MAC - West (7th) Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 Off. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 8/3 Radisson Hotel Toledo Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 8/3 Def. Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 101 North Summit Street Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 34/14 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 34/22 Toledo, OH 43604 Stadium ...... Glass Bowl (26,248) Stadium ...... Waldo Stadium (30,200) Telephone: AC 419 / 241-3000 (Charter Bus) Sports Information Sports Information Football Contact ...... Paul Helgren Football Contact ...... Daniel Jankowski FUTURE OPPONENTS Office Phone ...... 419-530-4918 Office Phone ...... 269-387-4122 E-Mail ...... [email protected] E-Mail ...... [email protected] 2006 Non-Conference Fax ...... 419-530-4930 Fax ...... 269-387-4139 Sept. 2 at Ohio State Web Site...... www.utrockets.com Web Site...... www.wmubroncos.com 2007 Non-Conference Sept. 1 at Iowa Rockets To Watch Broncos To Watch Sept. 22 at Tennessee Bruce Gradkowski (QB, 280-399-8, 3518 yards, Greg Jennings (WR, 74 rec., 1092 yards, 11 TD); 27 TD); Steve Odom (53 rec., 675 yards, 5 TD); Ryan Cubit (QB, 170-290-12, 1887 yards, 14 TD); 2008 Non-Conference David Thompson (LB, 91 tackles, 5.5 TFL); Tony Scheffler (TE, 53 rec., 570 yards, 3 TD); Aug. 30 at Alabama Anthony Jordan (LB, 107 tackles, 3.5 TFL) Trovon Riley (RB, 172 carries, 691 yards, 4 TD) Sept. 13 at Wake Forest 2009 Non-Conference The Series The Series Sept. 19 at Purdue Toledo leads ...... 26-6-0 Western Michigan leads ...... 20-10 See page 106 for complete series information See page 106 for complete series information
105 RecordsRecords vs.vs. 20052005 OpponentsOpponents
Michigan (0-0-0) 1979 # TIE, 0-0 (A) 1986 BSU, 20-10 (H) 1975 # UT, 24-22 (H) First Meeting 1980 # NIU, 38-6 (H) 1987 BSU, 42-17 (A) 1976 # UT, 17-2 (A) 1981 # NIU, 30-7 (A) 1988 BSU, 18-17 (H) 1977 # UT, 27-9 (H) Northwestern (0-5-1) 1982 # NIU, 10-0 (H) 1997 # BSU, 21-14 (H) 1978 # UT, 35-16 (A) At DeKalb: No games 1983 # NIU, 34-15 (A) 1998 # BSU, 18-13 (A) 1979 # NIU, 28-10 (H) At Evanston: NU leads, 5-0-1 1984 # TIE, 10-10 (H) 1999 # NIU, 37-17 (H) 1980 # UT, 13-6 (A) 1975 NU, 10-3 (A) 1985 # NIU, 3-0 (A) 2000 # NIU, 43-14 (A) 1981 # UT, 31-0 (H) 1982 NU, 31-6 (A) 1986 NIU, 21-14 (H) 2001 # NIU, 33-29 (H) 1982 # UT, 9-3 (A) 1985 NU, 38-16 (A) 1987 EMU, 32-31 (A) 2002 # NIU, 41-29 (A) 1983 # NIU, 26-10 (H) 1987 TIE, 16-16 (A) 1997 # EMU, 38-10 (H) 2003 # NIU, 48-23 (H) 1984 # UT, 13-7 (A) 1990 NU, 24-7 (A) 1998 # NIU, 26-14 (A) 2004 # NIU, 38-31, OT (A) 1985 # NIU, 16-3 (H) 2000 NU, 35-17 (A) 1999 # NIU, 30-23 (H) 1986 UT, 29-28 (A) 2000 # EMU, 39-32 (A) Central Michigan (18-21-1) 1987 NIU, 41-5 (H) Tennessee Tech (1-0-0) 2001 # NIU, 40-17 (H) At DeKalb: NIU leads, 11-8-1 1988 UT, 33-20 (A) At DeKalb: NIU leads, 1-0-0 2002 # NIU, 49-21 (A) At Mt. Pleasant: CMU leads, 13-7-0 1989 NIU, 39-27 (H) At Cookeville: No games 2003 # NIU, 38-24 (H) 1939 CMU, 6-0 (A) 1990 UT, 23-14 (A) 2003 NIU, 42-17 (H) 2004 # NIU, 34-16 (A) 1940 NIU, 9-6 (H) 1991 UT, 42-21 (A) 1946 CMU, 58-7 (A) 1992 UT, 25-8 (H) Akron (5-3-0) Kent State (12-7-0) 1947 TIE, 6-6 (H) 1997 # UT, 41-14 (A) At DeKalb: NIU leads, 3-2-0 At DeKalb: NIU leads, 8-2-0 1950 CMU, 26-14 (H) 1998 # UT, 16-3 (H) At Akron: NIU leads, 2-1-0 At Kent: KSU leads, 5-4-0 1951 NIU, 26-13 (A) 1999 # UT, 44-14 (A) 1966 NIU, 31-18 (H) 1949 KSU, 21-19 (H) 1952 CMU, 56-7 (H) 2000 # UT, 38-24 (H) 1987 UA, 27-21 (H) 1950 KSU, 56-7 (A) 1953 CMU, 46-0 (A) 2001 # UT, 41-20 (A) 1988 NIU, 7-6 (H) 1966 KSU, 26-7 (H) 1954 CMU, 46-7 (H) 2002 # UT, 33-30 (H) 1990 NIU, 31-28 (A) 1967 KSU, 35-0 (A) 1955 CMU, 61-0 (A) 2003 # UT, 49-30 (A) 1991 UA, 17-7 (A) 1971 NIU, 26-7 (A) 1956 CMU, 41-0 (H) 2004 # UT, 31-17 (H) 1996 # UA, 34-17 (H) 1972 NIU, 28-7 (H) 1957 CMU, 52-13 (A) 2000 # NIU, 52-35 (A) 1975 # NIU, 38-15 (H) 1958 CMU, 33-23 (H) Western Michigan (10-20-0) 2004 # NIU, 49-19 (H) 1976 # KSU, 42-0 (A) 1959 CMU, 29-7 (A) At DeKalb: WMU leads, 10-5-0 1977 # NIU, 21-18 (A) 1960 NIU, 36-15 (H) At Kalamazoo: WMU leads, 10-5-0 Miami (OH) (3-7-0) 1978 # NIU, 27-21 (H) 1961 NIU, 11-0 (A) 1950 WMU, 40-13 (A) At DeKalb: MU leads, 3-1-0 1979 # NIU, 25-0 (H) 1962 CMU, 35-27 (H) 1969 WMU, 31-22 (H) At Oxford: MU leads, 4-2-0 1980 # NIU, 35-14 (A) 1963 NIU, 27-22 (A) 1970 WMU, 38-18 (A) 1970 MU, 48-0 (A) 1981 # KSU, 31-10 (A) 1964 NIU, 19-14 (H) 1971 WMU, 27-17 (A) 1981 # MU, 30-3 (A) 1982 # NIU, 23-15 (H) 1965 NIU, 19-14 (A) 1972 WMU, 14-10 (H) 1982 # NIU, 12-7 (H) 1983 # NIU, 38-7 (A) 1966 NIU, 20-13 (H) 1973 WMU, 28-14 (A) 1983 # NIU, 17-0 (A) 1984 # NIU, 24-10 (H) 1975 # CMU, 69-7 (A) 1974 WMU, 30-13 (H) 1984 # MU, 20-7 (H) 1999 # NIU, 50-7 (H) 1976 # CMU, 31-9 (H) 1975 # NIU, 20-0 (A) 1985 # MU, 32-15 (A) 2001 # KSU, 44-34 (A) 1977 # CMU, 25-21 (H) 1976 # WMU, 37-6 (H) 1986 MU, 20-6 (H) 2002 # NIU, 13-6 (H) 1978 # CMU, 34-7 (A) 1977 # WMU, 49-21 (A) 1997 # MU, 42-0 (A) 1979 # CMU, 31-11 (A) 1978 # WMU, 44-30 (H) 1998 # MU, 41-10 (H) Ball State (13-17-2) 1980 # NIU, 21-0 (H) 1979 # WMU, 45-17 (A) 2002 # NIU, 48-41 (A) At DeKalb: BSU leads, 9-6-2 1981 # CMU, 17-10 (A) 1980 # WMU, 35-6 (H) At Muncie: BSU leads, 8-7-0 1982 # NIU 19-13 (H) 1981 # WMU, 23-12 (H) Eastern Michigan (20-13-2) 1941 TIE, 6-6 (H) 1983 # CMU, 30-14 (A) 1982 # WMU, 27-3 (A) At DeKalb: NIU leads, 11-6-1 1942 BSU, 14-0 (A) 1984 # NIU, 8-7 (H) 1983 # NIU, 27-3 (H) At Ypsilanti: NIU leads, 9-7-1 1966 NIU, 38-24 (A) 1985 # CMU, 30-21 (A) 1984 # NIU, 20-15 (A) 1927 EMU, 25-6 (A) 1967 NIU, 28-14 (H) 1997 # CMU, 44-10 (A) 1985 # NIU, 17-0 (H) 1928 EMU, 43-0 (H) 1968 NIU, 40-20 (A) 1998 # NIU, 16-6 (H) 1987 NIU, 34-14 (A) 1947 NIU, 21-6 (H) 1969 NIU, 17-13 (H) 1999 # NIU, 31-27 (A) 1988 NIU, 15-7 (H) 1948 NIU, 10-7 (A) 1970 NIU, 31-14 (A) 2000 # NIU, 40-6 (H) 1991 WMU, 22-10 (H) 1949 NIU, 39-14 (H) 1971 TIE, 10-10 (H) 2001 # NIU, 33-24 (A) 1992 WMU, 13-7 (A) 1950 NIU, 35-13 (A) 1973 NIU, 45-17 (H) 2002 # NIU, 49-0 (H) 1997 # WMU, 21-13 (H) 1951 NIU, 35-21 (H) 1974 BSU, 31-21 (A) 2003 # NIU, 40-24 (A) 1998 # WMU, 37-23 (A) 1952 EMU, 19-7 (A) 1975 # BSU, 3-0 (H) 2004 # NIU, 42-10 (H) 1999 # WMU, 24-21 (H) 1953 EMU, 20-14 (H) 1976 # BSU, 33-7 (H) 2000 # WMU, 52-22 (A) 1954 EMU, 34-0 (A) 1977 # BSU, 31-6 (A) Toledo (6-26-0) 2001 # NIU, 20-12 (H) 1955 EMU, 13-6 (H) 1978 # BSU, 31-13 (H) At DeKalb: UT leads, 10-5-0 2002 # NIU, 24-20 (A) 1956 EMU, 25-7 (A) 1979 # BSU, 42-0 (A) At Toledo: UT leads, 16-1-0 2003 # NIU, 37-10 (H) 1957 EMU, 54-20 (H) 1980 # BSU, 18-17 (H) 1967 UT, 35-0 (A) 2004 # NIU, 59-38 (A) 1958 EMU, 15-7 (A) 1981 # BSU, 23-0 (A) 1969 UT, 35-21 (H) 1959 NIU, 34-0 (H) 1982 # BSU, 14-7 (H) 1970 UT, 45-7 (A) 1960 NIU, 19-0 (A) 1983 # NIU, 27-14 (A) 1971 UT, 23-8 (H) 1961 NIU, 35-10 (H) 1984 # BSU, 15-14 (H) 1972 NIU, 30-7 (A) 1977 # EMU, 25-2 (H) 1985 # BSU, 29-0 (A) 1974 UT, 44-14 (A)
(H) - Home (A) - Away # - MAC Game
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September 1 / Thursday December 1, 2005: Ninth Annual MAC Championship Game November 4 / Friday Western Illinois at UT, 7 p.m. UT at OU, 8 p.m.-# (ESPN2) EMU at Cincinnati, 7 p.m. Championship-record 440 yards and UB at Connecticut, TBA In major-college football, it is four touchdowns. November 5 / Saturday unique. Only four National Toledo has earned the only two NIU at CMU, 1 p.m.-# September 2 / Friday Collegiate Athletic Association West Division league crowns in WMU vs. EMU (Ford Field), 1 p.m.-# Division 1-A conferences—the Indiana at CMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU) 2001 and 2004. The Rockets rallied BGSU at KSU, 1 p.m.-# Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Southeastern, from a 23-point deficit to beat No. and Mid-American—boast UB at MU, 2 p.m.-# September 3 / Saturday 30-rated Marshall, 41-36, behind UA at BSU, 2 p.m.-# divisional football championship tailback Chester Taylor with a title- BSU at Iowa, 11 a.m. (ESPN Plus) games. This season, the ninth game record 182 yards and two BGSU at Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (ESPN) annual MAC Championship TDs on 32 carries at the November 12 / Saturday OU at Northwestern, 11 a.m. (ESPNU) Game is scheduled for 7:30 Glass Bowl four years BSU at EMU, 1 p.m.-# MU at Ohio State, noon (ABC Regional) p.m. (EST) on Thursday, ago. Last December UB at KSU, 1 p.m.-# KSU at Michigan State, noon (ESPN +) December 1, 2005, at 2, UT quarterback CMU at WMU, 2 p.m.-# NIU at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. (ABC Regional) Ford Field in down- Bruce Gradkowski WMU at Virginia, TBA town Detroit. ESPN generated 437 yards November 15 / Tuesday will carry the contest total offense and BGSU at MU, 7 p.m.-# (ESPN2) September 9 / Friday to a nationwide cable threw four TDs (three OU at UA, 7:30 p.m.-# (ESPNU) Pittsburgh at OU, 8 p.m. television audience. to WR Lance Moore) The East Division 2 0 0 5 en route to a 35-27 November 16 / Wednesday has won six of the first eight MAC September 10 / Saturday triumph over Miami (OH) at Ford NIU at UT, 7:30 p.m.-# (ESPN2) title games. Former loop member Field in the first neutral site Mid- CMU at MU, 2 p.m.-# Marshall University captured five of Am title game. UB at Syracuse, 3:30 p.m. November 19 / Saturday the first six—all five triumphs on its Marshall quarterback Byron NIU at Northwestern, 3 p.m. home turf by topping the University Leftwich threw for 400 plus yards CMU at BSU, noon-# (ESPN Classic) of Toledo (34-14 in 1997, 23-17 in and four TDs in back-to-back MAC EMU at UB, 1:30 p.m.-# SE Missouri State at KSU, 4 p.m. 1998, and 49-45 in 2002) and contests vs. Toledo. In 2001, Louisiana-Lafayette at EMU, 6 p.m. Western Michigan University (34-30 Leftwich hit 32-of-52 passes for November 21 / Monday BGSU at BSU, 7 p.m.-# in 1999 and 19-14 in 2000). Miami 421 yards and four TDs. A year MU at OU, 7:30 p.m.-# (ESPNU) WMU at UT, 7 p.m.-# (OH) University became the first later, Leftwich completed 32-of-42 UA at Purdue, TBA MAC school to win on the opposite passes for 404 yards, plus hit his November 22 / Tuesday division’s home turf by posting a 49- fourth and final TD strike with 0:49 UT at BGSU, 7 p.m.-# (ESPN2) 27 success at Bowling Green State September 17 / Saturday left in the game to beat the University on December 4, 2003, Rockets, 49-45. EMU at Michigan, noon (ESPNU) behind quarterback Ben November 23 / Wednesday CMU at Penn State, 1:30 p.m. All eight previous Mid-Am WMU at NIU, 12:35 p.m.-# (ESPN2) Roethlisberger who led the Championship Games have Tennessee Tech at NIU, 3:05 p.m. RedHawks to 576 yards total offense appeared on national TV—either OU at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU) and hit 26-of-35 passes for a MAC on ABC-TV, ESPN, or ESPN2. November 24 / Thursday MU at KSU, 4 p.m.-# KSU at UA, 10 a.m.-# (ESPN2 or ESPNU) UA at Middle Tennessee State, 4 p.m. Rutgers at UB, 6 p.m. October 1 / Saturday October 15 / Saturday December 1 / Thursday Southern Illinois at WMU, 7 p.m. KSU at EMU, 2 p.m.-# OU at CMU, 1 p.m.-# MAC Championship Game, 7:30 BSU at Auburn, TBA Temple at BGSU, 4 p.m.-# BGSU at UB, 1:30 p.m.-# p.m. (ESPN) UT at Temple, TBA CMU at UA, 6 p.m.-# KSU at Navy, 1:30 p.m. UB at WMU, 7 p.m.-# UA at MU, 2 p.m.-# December 21 / Wednesday September 21 / Wednesday BSU at Boston College, TBA UT at BSU, 2 p.m.-# GMAC Bowl, 7 p.m. (ESPN) BGSU at Boise State, 6 p.m. (ESPN2) EMU at NIU, 3:05 p.m.-# October 5 / Wednesday December 26 / Monday October 22 / Saturday September 24 / Saturday MU at NIU, 6:35 p.m.-# (ESPN2) Motor City Bowl, 4 p.m. (ESPN) NIU at KSU, 1 p.m.-# EMU at CMU, 1 p.m.-# WMU at BGSU, 4 p.m.-# KSU at OU, 2 p.m.-# October 8 / Saturday #—Indicates MAC Game MU at EMU, 6 p.m.-# NIU at UA, 6 p.m.-# CMU at Army, 1 p.m. All times are local to site Army at Akron, 6 p.m. WMU at Temple, TBA UA at UB, 1:30 p.m.-# and subject to change OU at BGSU, 6 p.m.-# UB at UT, 7 p.m.-# BSU at OU, TBA-# September 27 / Tuesday EMU at UT, 7 p.m.-# UT at Fresno State, 6 p.m. (ESPN2) BSU at WMU, 7 p.m.-# October 29 / Saturday UT at CMU, 1 p.m.-# September 28 / Wednesday OU at UB, 1:30 p.m.-# Cincinnati at MU, 7 p.m. (ESPN2) KSU at WMU, 2 p.m.-# BSU at NIU, 3:05 p.m.-# UA at BGSU, 4 p.m.-# MU at Temple, TBA
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ESPNU. ABC-ESPN owns the exclusive rights In 2003, the Mid-Am produced six bowl- Nationally and regionally, the Mid- to the MAC Championship Game in football. eligible teams, five wins over nationally rated American Conference can make a case as the During the last three seasons, Mid-Am BCS programs, four institutions among the country’s best non-Bowl Championship Series national football nation’s Top 40—Miami football league. As the MAC approaches its telecasts have increased The MAC 2005 Lineup (OH), Bowling Green State, 59th football campaign and after impact from 15 (2003) to 17 West Division Northern Illinois, and seasons in both 2003 and 2004, can this so- (2004) to a league- Ball State (1975-present) Marshall, three programs called “mid-level” major conference make record 24 (2005). Central Michigan (1975-present) with 10 regular-season further in-roads? Once again in 2005, Eastern Michigan (1976-present) victories, and a pair of first- The answer, of course, is yes on several the Mid-Am really has a Northern Illinois (1975-85, 1997-present) round NFL draft picks. levels. tough act to follow. Toledo (1952-present) Behind Roethlisberger, the Under the guidance of seventh-year Basically, its own. Western Michigan (1948-present) RedHawks tied a league commissioner Rick Chryst, the Mid-Am has How do you top three East Division record with 13 triumphs, taken a pro-active stance on many national Top 40 ranked programs, Akron (1992-present) plus finished No. 10 in the issues, increased national television exposure, a league-record five Bowling Green State (1952-present) Associated Press poll and and—as of this past May—added Temple bowl game appearances, Buffalo (1999-present) No. 12 in the ESPN / USA University as a football-only league member, an all-time MAC best 11 Kent State (1951-present) Today version. That No. 10 effective in 2007. At 13 football-playing National Football League Miami (OH) (1948-present) finish tied for the best in institutions, the Mid-Am reigns as the largest draft selections and 40 Ohio (1947-present) league grid history—along National Collegiate Athletic Association more free agent signees with Marshall in 1999 and Division 1-A league in the nation—ahead of this spring, plus a total of Temple will be MAC member Miami in 1974. BGSU the 12-member Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 23 players in four in football only (2007) wound up No. 23 in both 12 Conference, and Southeastern national all-star games? polls while the Huskies Conference. Northern Illinois University (Silicon Valley recorded a No. 26 in the final ESPN / USA Founded in 1946, the MAC ranked fourth Football Classic), Bowling Green State Today poll and a No. 29 spot in the AP. nationally in combined enrollment University (GMAC Bowl), Marshall University On September 20, 2003, the league created (approximately 310,000 students in schools (Fort Worth Bowl), Miami (OH) University national headlines for its on-the-field ranging in size from 16,000 to 36,000), and (Independence Bowl), and the University of success. It was the MAC version of The Day sixth in 1-A longevity. In addition, the Mid- Toledo (Motor City Bowl) earned postseason The Earth Stood Still. Three Mid-Am Am is one of only four 1-A football loops with bowl bids in 2004. Since 1998, Mid-Am programs claimed wins over Top 25 national a divisional title game and joins the ACC, Big institutions have won 10 of its last 14 bowl opponents. Marshall won at No. 6-rated 12, and SEC in that regard. In 2001, the Mid- appearances. For the second year in a row, Kansas State University (27-20), Toledo Am became a non-voting member of the both the Huskies and the Falcons finished the upended No. 9 University of Pittsburgh (35- BCS—an initial step to include the conference season ranked among the nation’s Top 30 in 31), and Northern Illinois came out on top at in national football discussions. both major wire service polls. Individually, No. 21-ranked University of Alabama (19-16). With the advent of the new 12-date football University of Akron quarterback Charlie Frye On the same day, Miami defeated defending slate in 2006, the MAC has also entered a was named Most Valuable Player at the Mountain West Conference kingpin Colorado scheduling initiative with the Big Ten prestigious Senior Bowl. In the NFL, Pittsburgh State University (41-21) and BeeGee lost by a Conference. In the classroom, the Cleveland, Steelers quarterback and Miami product Ben touchdown at defending national champion OH, based loop led all 11 NCAA 1-A Roethlisberger was selected league Rookie of Ohio State University (24-17). Earlier in the conferences in long-term graduation rates for the Year. season, Northern Illinois upset No. 15 football student- University of athletes at public Maryland (20-13) institutions. in overtime and ESPN has Bowling Green recently extended edged No. 16 its national Purdue University television (27-26). In its contract with the previous 56 MAC through seasons, the MAC 2010. The new had totalled nine agreement wins over guarantees the nationally ranked league more gridiron national TV opposition. The appearances on same year, ESPN’s ESPN, ESPN2, and “College CHI-TOWN WELCOME – Commissioner Fred Jacoby (center) joins Athletics Director Bob Brigham (left) and President Richard Nelson at Northern Illinois-MAC press conference in Chicago on March 7, 1973.
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GameDay” crew—starring ex-Northern 2003 MAC Top 40 media markets—Chicago, Cleveland, Illinois head coach Lee Corso, Chris Fowler, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Buffalo, and and Kirk Herbstreit—traveled to a Mid-Am Final ESPN / USA Today (coaches) poll: Columbus, OH. venue for the first time, previewing the —Miami (OH), No. 12 (800 pts) The current Mid-Am roster (year admitted): —Bowling Green St., No. 23 (170 pts) October 25, 2003, showdown between the University of Akron (1991), Ball State (1973), —Northern Illinois, No. 26 (80 pts) No. 12-ranked Huskies and No. 23 BGSU from Bowling Green State (1952), Buffalo (1995), —Marshall, No. 38 (tie) (3 pts) Perry Field. Central Michigan University (1971), Eastern Final Associated Press (media) poll: In 2002, Marshall wound up No. 19 in the Michigan University (1971), Kent State —Miami (OH), No. 10 (932 pts) final ESPN / USA Today poll and No. 24 in the University (1951), Miami (OH) (1947), —Bowling Green St., No. 23 (189 pts) AP after throttling the University of Louisville —Northern Illinois, No. 29 (30 pts) Northern Illinois (1973, 1995), Ohio (1946), (38-15) in the GMAC Bowl. A year earlier, the Toledo (1950), and Western Michigan MAC put two football programs into the Top 2004 MAC Top 40 (1947). 25 for the first time. Marshall ranked No. 21 For NIU, this marks the school’s second and Toledo No. 22, respectively, in the final Final ESPN / USA Today (coaches) poll: MAC tenure. Originally admitted on March ESPN / USA Today poll. It marked the first —Bowling Green St., No. 27 (57 pts) 7, 1973, the Huskies played 11 seasons in time since the creation of the BCS in 1998 —Northern Illinois, No. 29 (40 pts) football (1975-85) and in men's basketball that a non-BCS loop—i.e., Conference USA, —Toledo, No. 38 (2 pts) (1975-86). Temple will join the MAC in Mid-Am, Mountain West Conference, Sun Belt Final Associated Press (media) poll: football only in 2007 Conference, or Western Athletic —Bowling Green St., No. 27 (74 pts) Before NIU’s elevation to University Conference—put multiple teams into the —Northern Illinois, No. 29 (27 pts) Division (NCAA 1-A) status in 1969, Northern major grid polls. The last 2001 AP voting Illinois football competed in the Interstate rated the Rockets at No. 23 and the Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and its Thundering Herd No. 26. work of two men, Earl Shoup and M. Charles various predecessors—the Illinois Intercolle- For Northern Illinois, the Mid-Am is literally Mileham. The league’s five charter members giate Athletic Conference and the Little 19 a “Back to the Future” story. Who says you can included Ohio, Butler, Cincinnati, Wayne Conference until 1965. NIU has competed as never go back home again? Huskie intercolle- State, and Western Reserve. The MAC’s first a major independent three times. The first giate athletics, alums, and fans would certainly football season was 1947. Now, the MAC is stint was from 1969-74, then 1986-93, and disagree. Since June 14, 1995—the date the located in several of the nation’s Top 40 1996. Sandwiched between was the initial MAC and former commissioner MAC membership (1975-85) Jerry Ippoliti extended and the three-season affiliation invitations to NIU, the Univer- with the Big West Conference sity at Buffalo, and Marshall to (1993-95) as a football-only join the league—the decision member. was welcomed by all. Local interest in the Mid- Northern Illinois’ return Am dates back to the mid- began with a positive recom- 1960s when the Huskie mendation from the athletics program outgrew its university’s Athletics Board college division home. Thanks and followed by final approval to the post World War II Baby from former President John E. Boom generation, enrollment La Tourette. NIU’s official “yes” soared—along with academic came on June 21, 1995. and athletic aspirations. “We’re thrilled about Burgeoning Northern Illinois— rejoining the MAC,” ex- which became a full-fledged Northern Illinois Athletics university in 1957—now Director Cary Groth said. “The desired that “major-college” President, our faculty and staff, status athletically. and our alums believe this is In football, coach Howard the right fit for our program. Fletcher’s Huskies dominated One of our top priorities was to the era with a National put the majority of our sports under one conference (Continued on page 110) umbrella, and the MAC lets us do that.” The Mid-Am dates back to Northern Illinois athletic patriarch George “Chick” Evans: “The MAC is a ... February 12, 1946, and the natural grouping of schools.”
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(Continued from page 109) men’s basketball as a result MAC Weekly of winning the MAC Teleconference Championship (1963) and Postseason Tournament three postseason appear- in 1981-82, the Mid-Am ances (Mineral Water Bowl wrestling title under 2005 MAC Football Coaches in 1962, 1963, and coach Don Flavin in Weekly Media Teleconferences 1965). Record-setting 1984-85, and two MAC quarterback George men’s golf crowns by When: Monday mornings Bork became a national coach Jack Pheanis in 1976 (August 29 to November 21) household word. Blueprints were and 1985. drawn for a new stadium. The seeds During its second Mid-Am Championship Game: December 1 were planted for NCAA 1-A status and tenure, Northern Illinois has won three affiliation with the “right” regional confer- regular-season loop titles in women’s Note: All times Central Time Zone ence. volleyball in 1997, 1998, and 2001, plus MAC To Northern Illinois athletics patriarch Postseason Tournament crowns in 1997 and Media Call-in Telephone Number: George “Chick” Evans, there was only one 2001. In softball, NIU captured league (AC 785) 832-1508 choice—the MAC. regular-season trophies in both 1999 and “I think we will get into the MAC if we want 2000. Wrestling tied for the Mid-Am regular- West Division Replay Number: to,” Evans said before his retirement in 1968. season title in 2002-03. On the gridiron, the (AC 402) 220-0125 “I know of no other conference that we could Huskies shared MAC West Division crowns in East Division Replay Number: get into of equal status. You can’t ‘manufac- 2001, 2002, and 2004. (AC 402) 220-0122 ture’ a conference or group of schools. It’s The Huskies compete for MAC titles in 17 impossible because there is no ‘group.’ The sports: football, men’s and women’s 8:30-8:38: Bill Cubit, Western Michigan MAC is a fine conference and a natural basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, 8:38-8:46: Tom Amstutz, Toledo grouping of schools. We’ve got to get in a softball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s 8:46-8:54: Joe Novak, Northern Illinois conference that will do us good—that has and women’s golf, women’s gymnastics, 8:54-9:02: Jeff Genyk, Eastern Michigan respect and that’s the MAC.” wrestling, women’s cross country, men’s and 9:02-9:10: Brian Kelly, Central Michigan The original courtship took some time. women’s tennis, plus women’s indoor and 9:10-9:18: Brady Hoke, Ball State Through the efforts of Evans’ successor as outdoor track and field. 9:18-9:26: Frank Solich, Ohio athletics director, Bob Brigham, and sports In addition to the aforementioned sports, 9:26-9:34: Shane Montgomery, Miami (OH) information director, Bud Nangle, the Huskies the MAC’s slate of 23 sponsored champion- 9:34-9:42: Doug Martin, Kent State made the grade. For some, membership in ships includes men’s and women’s swim- 9:42-9:50: Jim Hofher, Buffalo the Mid-Am represents the greatest accom- ming, women’s field hockey and men’s cross 9:50-9:58: Gregg Brandon, Bowling Greren St. plishment in Northern Illinois’ modern country, as well as men’s indoor and outdoor 9:58-10:06: J. D. Brookhart, Akron athletics history. From the college division to track. 10:06-10:14: Bobby Wallace, Temple playing Miami (OH), The Mid-Am is a presidentially controlled Bowling Green State, conference. All Note: Questions for a head coach involved in Toledo, Ohio, etc. major policy the MAC Weekly Teleconference should be e- Quite a jump in decisions are mailed to Gary Richter
Northern Illinois football coach Bill Mallory: Winning the MAC and catching Cal Bowl fever (1983).
110 CommissionerCommissioner RickRick ChrystChryst
TV network with the 2000 ing for the ACC in 1995. Nationally known and MAC Championship Game. “Rick has great experience with the ACC respected Mid-American “We couldn’t be more in the areas of promotion, marketing, and Conference football. excited about this new television, and his midwestern background Welcome to Rick Chryst’s arrangement,” Chryst said in will help him relate to our area and unwavering vision. 2000. “It affords us guaran- institutions,” said Robert Glidden, president The 44-year-old Chryst teed national exposure in of Ohio University and the former chair of enters his seventh season as football and men’s basketball the MAC Council of Presidents. “He has the the MAC’s chief executive over the next three years, personal skills to unify the presidents and this fall. Not only has Chryst which is critical as this the ADs of the conference, and he has the moved the league into the conference continues to expertise and experience to represent the 21st Century, but into larger grow. More importantly, it MAC effectively at the national level.” venues regionally and represents a broad and A Phi Beta Kappa baseball standout at nationally. The league extensive relationship with the University of Notre Dame, Chryst continues to make major in- Rick Chryst the leading name in college graduated magna cum laude with an A.B. roads at the National MAC Commissioner sports television.” in economics from UND in 1983 and Collegiate Athletic Associa- No. 3: Moving the league earned a Juris Doctor with Honors from the tion Division 1-A level that belies that “mid- office and the MAC Postseason Basketball Duke University School of Law in 1989. He level” major stereotype. Tournament to a larger media market also had a three-year stint as an assistant Chryst has been an impact player ever (Cleveland and the Gund Arena), unveiling sports information director at the U.S. since being named to the league’s No.1 a new format for the men’s tourney that Naval Academy (1986-89). CEO spot on May 11, 1999. During his has the title game played on NCAA “It’s a great choice,” added current ACC tenure, three major accomplishments Selection Weekend, and conducting the commissioner John Swofford. “When you highlight Chryst’s ever-growing Mid-Am men’s and women’s tourneys in the same combine Rick’s experience as a student- résumé. arena. athlete, his legal education, and his No. 1: Making the historic announce- The Madison, WI, product came to the experience in promotion and marketing, ment in April, 2001, that the league had Mid-Am after serving as an assistant you end up with a mix that is a great blend signed an agreement with the GMAC Bowl commissioner at the Atlantic Coast for a commissioner in today’s environment. in Mobile, AL, that would give the MAC a Conference (1992-99) and Southwest This mix will serve him well in his leader- second postseason football opportunity for Conference (1989-92). During his ACC ship of the MAC.” the first time. stint, Chryst was responsible for marketing, Chryst succeeded Jerry Ippoliti, who No. 2: Negotiating a comprehensive, television, corporate programs, legal announced his retirement in January, 1999, programming and production agreement affairs, special events, and community effective June 30. Previous Mid-Am with ESPN, Inc., in 2000 and extending the outreach programs. His major accomplish- commissioners include Dave Reese (1946- pact to 2010. The agreement guarantees ment was the development of ACC 64), Bob James (1964-71), Fred Jacoby the league national exposure on ESPN and Properties, a joint venture of Raycom- (1971-82), Jim Lessig (1982-90), Karl Benson ESPN2 for the MAC title games in football Jefferson Pilot television syndicators, that (1990-94), and Ippoliti (1994-99). and men’s basketball. The league made its generated $1.3 million in sponsorship and first-ever football appearance on the ABC- licensing fees and $10 million in advertis-
Mid-American Conference Information
League Headquarters Mailing / Delivery Address: League Staff Mid-American Conference Rick Chryst, Commissioner Krista Plummer, Director of Administration 24 Public Square Bob Gennarelli, Associate Commissioner Shonna Brown, Assistant Commissioner 15th Floor (External Operations) Cleveland, OH 44113 Sport Programs / Women’s Basketball Dell Robinson, Associate Commissioner Aimee Dupree-Chambers, Assistant Information Director: (Legislative & Compliance Services) Commissioner Marketing / Corporate Gary Richter (Seventh Year) Programs (St. Thomas, FL, 1986) Paul Palian, Assistant Commissioner (Electronic Media) Dave Magarity, Assistant Commissioner Phone: (AC 216) 566-4622 (x-301) Men’s Basketball Operations Home Phone: (AC 216) 889-1118 Gary Richter, Assistant Commissioner Gary Richter Cell Phone: (AC 216) 310-6797 (Media Relations) Betty Sislak, Director of Finance Fax: (AC 216) 858-9622 MAC Information Director (AC 216) 696-2622 Carl Paganelli, Coordinator of Officials Brett McWethy, Media Relations Assistant e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mac-sports.com
111 GMACGMAC BowlBowl
Four-for-four. That’s the Mid-American game MVP honors by hitting 21-of-33 November, Leftwich still completed 22-of- Conference in the last four GMAC Bowls, passes for 376 yards and four TDs (28, 12, 16, 44 passes for 249 yards and four TDs (9, 8, thanks to all-star quarterbacks Omar Jacobs and 26 yards). Miami runningback Cal 12, and 26 yards) and became the first 1-A of Bowling Green State University, Ben Murray cranked out a game-high 142 yards player to throw for four TDs in back-to-back Roethlisberger of Miami (OH) University, and one TD on 15 carries and teammate bowl appearances. “On one leg, he’s and Byron Leftwich of Marshall University. Martin Nance caught eight passes for 144 (Leffwich) better than anybody else in the Five-for-five in 2005? The Mobile, AL, based yards. UL pulled within 35-28 late in the country,” said Marshall coach Bob Pruitt GMAC Bowl is set for 7 p.m. (CST) Wednes- third period, but coach Terry Hoeppner’s afterwards. The Herd jumped to a 17-0 lead day, December 21, on ESPN. MAC champs sealed the “W” with two and only allowed the Cardinals inside the 2004 GMAC Bowl (December 22): fourth period TDs. MU 30-yard line twice. Tabbed game MVP as a sophomore, Jacobs 2002 GMAC Bowl (December 18): 2001 GMAC Bowl (December 19): An helped Bowling Green State produce 29 Behind Leftwich, Marshall toppled Louis- instant ESPN Classic. Sports Illustrated first downs, 558 yards total offense, and a ville, 38-15, before 40,646 spectators in called it the No. 1 game of the postseason. 52-35 success over the University of Ladd-Peebles Stadium as the Thundering At 11:18 p.m. (CST), Leftwich fired an eight- Memphis. The 6-foot-4, 224-pound Jacobs Herd captured the school’s fifth-straight yard TD pass to wide receiver Josh Davis for resembled the next Roethlisberger or bowl win—the longest such streak in the winning score in an amazing 64-62 Leftwich by completing 26-of-44 passes for major-college football at the time. Playing double overtime Marshall triumph over East five touchdowns (18, 36, 31, 17, and 13 on one leg due to a shin injury from early Carolina University. Believe it or not, the yards) and 365 yards against the Tigers. Herd rallied from a 38-8 halftime deficit. BGSU junior tailback P. J. Pope contributed GMAC Bowl Information This contest represented the highest three TDs (two rushing and one receiving) scoring game in bowl history and the and added a game-high 151 ground yards largest comeback of record in collegiate on 28 attempts at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. postseason play. ECU opened 44-36 and 51- Jacobs connected on his Mid-American 42 leads in the final stanza before Marshall Conference single-season 41st passing TD mounted back-to-back scoring drives in the of the year and joined Roethlisberger and frantic finish. After 51-all and 58-all ties, Leftwich as the league’s third 4,000-yard 5Date: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005 Leftwich’s 41st completion ended the passer (4,002 in 2004). The win marked the Kickoff: 7 p.m. (CST) marathon. The two teams combined for MAC’s seventh consecutive win over a Site: Ladd-Peebles Stadium 125 points and 1,141 yards total offense. Conference USA foe. Tickets: $45, $15 Leftwich hit 41-of-70 passes and tied a bowl 2003 GMAC Bowl (December 18): Led Ticket Information: (AC 251) 635-0011 record by BYU’s Ty Detmer with his 576 President: Jerry Silverstein by Roethlisberger, Miami (OH) collected 597 yards. Executive Director: Frank Modarelli yards total offense, scored five TDs in its Public Relations: Kelley Wright The MAC announced its ties to the initial five possessions, and rolled to a 35-7 Mailing Address: The GMAC Bowl GMAC Bowl on April 19, 2001. Originated in second-quarter lead en route to a 49-28 1000 Hillcrest Road 1999, the GMAC Bowl—previously known triumph against the University of Louisville Suite 115 as the Mobile Alabama Bowl—featured before 40,620 spectators at Ladd-Peebles. Mobile, AL 36695 Texas Christian University beating East The victory allowed the RedHawks to tie Office Phone: (AC 251) 635-0011 Carolina, 28-14, in the inaugural game. The Fax Number: (AC 251) 635-0014 Louisiana State University and Boise State University of Southern Mississippi beat TCU, Website: www.gmacbowl.com University for the top overall record in Television: ESPN (Live) 28-21, in 2000. football at 13-1. Roethlisberger garnered
All-Time MAC Bowl Results
Record: Won 22, Lost 17 (.564 Pct.) Year Bowl (Site) 1968 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1975 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando FL) 1987 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) Richmond 49, Ohio 42 Miami (OH) 20, South Carolina 7 Eastern Michigan 30, San Jose State 27 1969 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1981 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1988 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) Toledo 56, Davidson 33 Toledo 27, Fresno State 25 Fresno State 35, Western Michigan 30 1970 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1982 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1989 California Raisin Bowl (Fresno, CA) Toledo 40, William & Mary 12 Fresno State 29, Bowling Green State 28 Fresno State 27, Ball State 6 1971 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1983 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1990 California Raisin Bowl (Fresno, CA) Toledo 28, Richmond 3 Northern Illinois 20, Cal State-Fullerton 13 San Jose State 48, Central Michigan 24 1972 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1984 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1991 California Raisin Bowl (Fresno, CA) Tampa 21, Kent State 18 Nevada-Las Vegas 30, Toledo 13-• Bowling Green State 28, Fresno State 21 1973 Tangerine Bowl (Gainesville, FL) 1985 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1992 Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV) Miami (OH) 16, Florida 7 Fresno State 51, Bowling Green State 7 Bowling Green State 35, Nevada 34 1974 Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) 1986 California Bowl (Fresno, CA) 1993 Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV) Miami (OH) 21, Georgia 10 San Jose State 37, Miami (OH) 7 Utah State 42, Ball State 33
•--UNLV forfeited game due to use of ineligible players
112 MotorMotor CityCity BowlBowl
In its first eight editions, the Motor City 2002 Motor City Bowl (December 26): yards in 31 carries and scored the winning Bowl delivererd, period. How could it get Before a (then) record crowd of 51,872 fans TD with 3:23 left. any better for the Mid-American Confer- at Ford Field, Toledo surrendered four Boston 2000 Motor City Bowl (December 27): ence? It did. The bowl moved into one of College TDs in the second quarter and Marshall University proved there was life the National Football League crown jewels— dropped a 51-25 decision to the Big East after Randy Moss and Chad Pennington. i.e., Ford Field, the 65,000-seat new home of Conference Eagles. Despite producing 433 Soph MU quarterback Byron Leftwich threw the Detroit Lions—in 2003. The same year, yards total offense behind quarterback Brian for one TD (77 yards on the game’s fourth the Big Ten Conference opted to send its Jones (27-of-41 passes for 331 yards), the play), ran for another (one-yard), and seventh-place bowl-eligible program to the Rockets fell behind, 42-10, in the ill-fated completed 17-of-30 passes for 221 yards to Motor City extravaganza. second stanza. earn the bowl MVP award and lead the Herd The Mid-Am hopes to maintain its 2001 Motor City Bowl (December 29): past Cincinnati, 25-14, before 26,018 success in the 2005 Motor City Bowl on Rallying from a 13-3 halftime deficit, Toledo spectators in the Silverdome. It marked MU’s Monday, December 26, at Ford Field. The posted a 23-16 victory over the University of third straight Motor City Bowl win. kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (EST) on ESPN live. Cincinnati before 44,164 spectators at the 1999 Motor City Bowl (December 27): 2004 Motor City Bowl (December 27): Pontiac Silverdome. The Rockets battled Marshall held Mountain West Conference Another Big East Conference opponent and back behind three Todd France field goals champ Brigham Young to minus 16 yards quarterback Bruce Gradkowski’s broken right (28, 42, and 30 yards) and tailback Chester team rushing in a 21-3 victory before 52,449 hand spelled a rare 39-10 setback for the Taylor who rushed for a game-high 190 spectators in the Silverdome. After spotting University of Toledo before 52,552 fans at BYU at 3-0 lead, the Herd hit the Cougars Ford Field. Gradkowski, the MVP of the MAC Motor City Bowl Information with three straight TDs (two resulting from Championship Game December 2, dislo- turnovers), eight sacks, and 23 tackles for 107 cated his left shoulder and broke his right yards in losses. MU tailback Doug Chapman (throwing) hand vs. Miami (OH) University won game MVP honors with 133 rushing and was ineffective against the University of yards. Connecticut. With Gradkowski and tailback 1998 Motor City Bowl (December 23): Scooter McDougle hurting, the Rockets Marshall broke open a 21-all halftime tie could only net 281 yards total offefnse. with three straight TDs and a field goal in a UConn jumped into a 17-0 first quarter lead. Date: Monday, Dec. 26 , 2004 48-29 win over the University of Louisville Kickoff: 4 p.m. (EST) 2003 Motor City Bowl (December 26): before 52,016 fans in the Silverdome. The Site: Ford Field Quarterback Josh Harris rallied Bowling Tickets: $75, $45, $25 match-up featured 1,015 yards total Green State University from a 17-7 third- Ticket Information: (AC 313) 262-2010 offense—613 by the Herd. Pennington quarter deficit and threw two TD passes in a Chief Executive Officer: George Perles connected on 18-of-24 passes for 411 yards seesaw fourth period for a 28-24 triumph Executive Director: Ken Hoffman and four TDs. over Northwestern University before 51,286 Media Relations: Tim Moore 1997 Motor City Bowl (December 26): spectators at Ford Field. The win marked the Mailing Address: The Motor City Bowl None of the 43,340 spectators at the Ford Field Executive Offices first by the MAC over the Big Ten in 2000 Brush Street. Suite 200 Silverdome or the estimated 3.1 million postseason play. Harris led BGSU to 30 first Detroit, MI 48226 households reached by ESPN could leave downs, 474 yards total offense, and 12-of-17 Office Phone: (AC 313) 262-2010 their seats as No. 22 University of Mississippi third-down conversions. He hit 38-of-50 Fax Number: (AC 313) 262-2009 tipped No. 29 Marshall, 34-31, in the inaugu- passes for 386 yards and three TDs, and Website: www.motorcitybowl.com ral game’s final minute. The lead changed Television: ESPN (Live) tossed the winner to WR Cole Magner with four times in the last period. Ole Miss won it 4:06 left to play. on RB Deuce McAllistere’s one-yard run with 0:31 left. All-Time MAC Bowl Results
1994 Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV) 2000 Motor City Bowl (Pontiac, MI) Motor City Bowl (Detroit, MI) Nevada-Las Vegas 54, Central Michigan 24 Marshall 25, Cincinnati 14 Bowling Green St. 28, Northwestern 24 1995 Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV) 2001 GMAC Bowl (Mobile, AL) 2004 Fort Worth Bowl (Fort Worth, TX) Toledo 40, Nevada 37 (OT) Marshall 64, East Carolina 61 (2 OT) Cincinnati 32, Marshall 14 1996 Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV) Motor City Bowl (Pontiac, MI) GMAC Bowl (Mobile, AL) Nevada 18, Ball State 15 Toledo 23, Cincinnati 16 Bowling Green State 52, Memphis 34 1997 Motor City Bowl (Pontiac, MI) 2002 GMAC Bowl (Mobile, AL) Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA) Mississippi 34, Marshall 31 Marshall 38, Louisville 15 Iowa State 17, Miami (OH) 13 1998 Motor City Bowl (Pontiac, MI) Motor City Bowl (Detroit, MI) Motor City Bowl (Detroit, MI) Marshall 48, Louisville 29 Boston College 51, Toledo 25 Connecticut 39, Toledo 10 1999 Motor City Bowl (Pontiac, MI) 2003 GMAC Bowl (Mobile, AL) Silicon Valley Classic (San Jose, CA) Marshall 21, Brigham Young 3 Miami (OH) 49, Louisville 28 Northern Illinois 34, Troy 21
113 HuskieHuskie MACMAC FlashbacksFlashbacks
First Triumph vs. MAC Champ: First Home MAC Game: First NCAA Catch King: October 28, 1972 — Northern Illinois earned October 4, 1975 — Tangerine Bowl, anyone? December 6, 1978 — Few players could a milestone “W”—its first vs. a Mid-Am grid Northern Illinois took advantage of five latch onto passes like Northern Illinois senior champ—and corralled Kent State University’s turnovers—scoring on four—and moved to SE Dave Petzke who not only established famous “James Gang” by a 28-7 margin at 2-0 in the MAC by winning its first league school and Mid-Am single-season records Huskie Stadium. Coach Jerry Ippoliti’s squad contest in DeKalb with a 38-15 triumph over with 91 catches, 1,215 reception yards, and rolled up a (then) school-record 475 yards Kent State University. The hosts broke open a 11 TDs but also won the league’s first NCAA rushing and 78 team carries vs. the 1972 MAC 10-7 game with 21 unanswered points in the 1-A receiving title that fall. In fact—at the kingpin and Tangerine Bowl-bound Golden third period—capped by senior LB Bob time—among the NCAA’s major individual Flashes. QB Mark Carlson led the way for Gregolunas’ 14-yard interception return TD offensive stats categories (rushing, receiving, Northern Illinois with 224 with 8:50 to play in the final quarter and his total offense, and scoring), Petzke’s was only yards total offense (158 game-best 19 tackles. the second national title won by a MAC rushing and two player (Toledo QB Gene Swick led the nation touchdowns) and junior First All-MAC Gridder: in total offense in 1975). FB Mark Kellar piled up November 26, 1975 — What a break-out 146 more ground yards. senior year for Northern Illinois QB-turned-LB First MAC Player of the Year: All-MAC LB Jack Lambert Bob Gregolunas. Switched to defense the December 12, 1978 — “Wow!” That was the posted a game-high 22 previous spring, the six-foot, 205-pound reaction of Northern Illinois SE Dave Petzke tackles for KSU boss Don quad-captain became the Huskies’ initial upon hearing the news that he shared the James. First-Team All-MAC gridder. No. 11 notched MAC Offensive Player of the Year award with eight double-digit hit outings and led the Western Michigan TB Jerome Persell. Petzke, Joining the Mid-Am: team with 127 tackles in nine games that fall. NIU’s first Mid-Am Player of the Year, started a March 7, 1973 — In a major press confer- string of three straight Huskie loop Player of ence in downtown Chicago at the Bismarck the Year recipients—LB Frank Lewandoski Hotel, Northern Illinois became the ninth (1979) and LB Mike Terna (1980). member of the Mid-Am. “Northern’s program has come on strong,” MAC commissioner First Vern Smith Award Winner: Fred Jacoby told the Chicago Tribune. “Our December 1, 1983 presidents expressed a desire to become — “I never more of a sectional conference than an Ohio- expected to be the Michigan conference. We feel the entrance of MVP of our team, Northern adds an extra dimension to our now this.” North- league with its geographical location. It gives ern Illinois senior Bob Gregolunas (11), LB us a truly midwestern flavor.” QB Tim Tyrrell was First Frosh 1,000-Yard Rusher: always modest to First MAC Player of the Week: November 19, 1977 — By rushing for a extremes. This time October 20, 1973 — Northern Illinois senior (then) school-record 254 yards in the season the spiritual guru of FB Mark Kellar—who would win the NCAA finale vs. Ohio University, Northern Illinois the Huskies’ 9-2-0 rushing title that fall—garnered the first of freshman TB Allen Ross really made a name league champs and back-to-back MAC Player of the Week honors for himself. Not only did the 5-foot-10, 193- soon-to-be Cal with his 199-yard effort in a 45-17 triumph pounder make Mid-Am Player of the Week, Bowl victors had over Ball State University in Huskie Stadium. AP National Back of the Week, and the UPI been voted the Kellar repeated as MAC Player of the Week National Backfield of the Week, Ross became recipient of the with a career-high 246 yards and three TDs the school’s and league’s first frosh 1,000- Jefferson Trophy the next week vs. Illinois State. yard single-season runner (1,043 in 273 (now the Vern attempts). At the time, Ross was only the Smith Award) as First MAC Victory: sixth NCAA Division 1-A frosh to reach 1,000 the MAC’s “Most September 27, 1975 — On a sunny after- yards. Outstanding Tim Tyrrell (13), QB noon at Waldo Stadium, Northern Illinois Football Player.” made its official MAC football debut under MAC Tackle Record: Tyrrell, the league’s top all-around QB that head coach Jerry Ippoliti with a 20-0 victory September 16, 1978 — One of the most season, produced 1,799 yards total offense in over Western Michigan University. RB Vince durable linebackers in MAC history, Northern 1983. Smith (two touchdowns) and PK Pete Miskov Illinois junior Frank Lewandoski set the school (two field goals and two PAT kicks) provided and league single-game tackle record with an MAC Coach of the Year: all the Huskie points. NIU posted its first amazing 33 stops during a 44-30 setback vs. November 21, 1983 — Since 1965 and the shutout in 55 games (since 1970) and limited Western Michigan University in Huskie inception of the award, only one person—Bill the hosts to 221 yards total offense behind LB Stadium. “Lew” shadowed Bronco great Mallory—had won MAC Coach of the Year Bob Gregolunas (22 tackles) and DT Jerry Jerome Persell (39 carries for 205 yards) and honors in football at two league schools. The Meyers (20 stops). posted 16 solos and 17 assists. Lewandoski 48-year-old Northern Illinois taskmaster finished with 616 career tackles, which ranks received his first at Miami ten years earlier. among the MAC’s all-time top five.
114