When the NCAA expanded from the old eleven game schedule to the new twelve game schedule, 1-AA (now FCS) football became somewhat more relevant on the big time college football landscape. Don't believe me, just ask Michigan for their thoughts on Appalachian State (too soon?). I consider myself a knowledge college football fan and take pride in not sounding like an idiot while trying to act like I know what I am talking about, and that is exactly why I am not going to provide an in depth preview of WIU. The fact of the matter is, I just do not know that much about them. However, I am here to tell you why NIU should not take them lightly on Saturday night.

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[Note by Mike Breese, 09/09/09 12:39 AM CDT ] Please welcome Clear Visor (aka 7 for the message board faithful) as the newest member of RABA's writing team!

The Good

Heart.The one for sure characteristic you can take away from NIU on Saturday is they will play with heart. There were multiple moments late in the second and fourth quarters where the Huskies could have easily rolled over and died. Shortly after NIU forced Wisconsin's first punt late in the second quarter, Me'co Brown coughed up the ball to Wisconsin and gave them prime scoring position. A touchdown would have made it 21-6, and presented impeding doom for NIU. However, a Patrick George corner blitz forced an errant throw by Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien, landing in the awaiting arms of Cory Hanson, and keeping it a one possession game going into the half. After a disastrous third quarter (more to come on that), Northern faced a 28-6 deficit with Wisconsin once again driving. NIU could have once again easily folded up the tents and went home, but a missed field goal by Philip Welch left the door open and the Huskies jumped on the opportunity. Chad Spann scored on 1 yard touchdown run to make the score 28-12. Then another Cory Hanson interception set up a second Spann touchdown run and the insuing two point conversation to cut the deficit to eight. NIU then recovered an onside kick only to come up just short when Harnish's pass fell incomplete. It is a sixty minute game, and NIU sent a message that you have to beat them for all sixty minutes if you want to come out with a victory.

Tackling.Wisconsin's power rushing game was negated for the most part by Northern's defense, and a big part of that was great tackling. By cutting Zach Brown and John Clay at the legs, it basically negated Clay's best asset, his power. The DB's, who admittedly struggled in pass coverage, did a great job in run support hold Clay to fewer than three yards a carry.

The Bad

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