According to the ESPN Meida press release above NIU was able to pull off big time TV ratings in the Chicago market. From my perspective this is something the program desperately needs. The fact that so much of the Chicago area was tuned in to see what NIU was made of hopefully points towards a groing interest in the program. If this is something ESPN truly takes note of, maybe we will see ESPN more willing to put NIU on ESPN in primetime more often.

Also if the marketing team at NIU can find a way to maintain the interest of more than just the alum and student bodies, there is a good chance we see a sizable boost in attendance next year as well. But maybe I am just dreaming with that idea.

The key is though, even though NIU was outmatched, outsized, and failed to execute its A game on offense. The University and the football team were able to capture the interest of the market it most desperately needs, if the plan is to become the next Boise State or the TCU of the midwest.