What do Stanford, Arizona State and Nebraska have in common?
All 3 proud programs have succumbed to a “lower tier” Group of 5 squad this onth. San Diego State triumphed over those Pac 12 squads in consecutive weeks. Northern Illinois feasted on two pick-sixes by Nebraska’s turnover machine, Tanner Lee, to propel them to a 21-17 upset. The Huskie upset so enraged the proud Nebraska program that Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst became a post-trauma casualty/sacrificial lamb. Northern Illinois’ only loss occurred to another Power 5 team in Boston College when their 39-yard field goal attempt doinked off the goal post as time expired.
Tomorrow night, Northern Illinois pays a visit to San Diego State in a pivotal game that may go a long way to determine the “Group of 5” representative in the “New Year’s 6” bowl games. The Huskies have a situational edge since they rested last week while the undefeated Aztecs played a 3rd consecutive physical game.
On the surface, the Aztecs have an advantage because the Huskies’ starter in their opener, Ryan Graham, got hurt. However, this is largely an illusion. Graham was just OK in the BC opener and his backup, Daniel Santacaterina, has been competent. Neither QB will remind you of Northern Illinois’ two superstar signal callers, Jordan Lynch or Chandler Harnish, in their era of supremacy in the Mid American Conference.
Northern Illinois appears to have a better offensive line than the Aztecs but San Diego State rates to be superior at most other positions, including their stellar running back/kick returner, Rashaad Penny. The Odyssey will be in the press box and anticipates a low-scoring grinder.
Rick Roeder’s game recap will be in the DeKalb Daily Chronicle.