Uremovich leaving St. Francis for post at NIU

"Mike Uremovich is headed north.

More to the point, northern, as in Northern Illinois University.

The seven-year head coach of the University of St. Francis announced Friday he has accepted a position as the special-teams coordinator at NIU....Uremovich begins his new job on Wednesday."

Read more...

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/sports/10293286-419/college-football-uremovich-leaving-st-francis-for-post-at-niu.html

This book will hit the shelves just in time for the 2012 season!

At Northern Illinois University football is king. With fans still savoring NIU’s victory over Fresno State in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl and the Mid-American Conference Championship in 2011, the Huskies have never been more popular. And with the team continuing to improve after several strong seasons, the ranks of its loyal supporters will only increase.

Newcomers and hardcore Huskie lifers alike will want to get their hands on Dan Verdun’s extensively researched guide to football at NIU. Verdun takes on Huskie history decade by decade, and each chapter is filled with fascinating interviews with dozens of players, coaches, and reporters on the local sports beat. Evoking a potent mix of school pride and nostalgia, Northern Illinois Huskies Football highlights important moments, memorable games, and enduring traditions. Lavishly illustrated with images from throughout the program’s storied history, and with a foreword by beloved former head coach Joe Novak, Verdun’s vivid and exciting work deserves a place on any college football fan’s bookshelf—or next to the cooler at your next Huskie tailgating party.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875804551/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Yes, the old Al Michaels call from the Olympics really fits here.  Let's face it, we were outplayed by EMU and dodged numerous bullets.  Their tight end dropped 2 TD passes.  Our DB's looked lost on several throws.  EMU's quarterback made some big plays, especially on 3rd down....thankfully, he forgot to throw it away on their final drive and was sacked for huge losses.

Look out for EMU next year.  They have some talent and I'm impressed with Ron English (except for that 2 pt. conversion call).

Harnish had an off day and we still won.  Now on to the Motor City.  I expect a totally different performance from our offense and Harnish.

 

I know this is all about Huskie sports and I am a NIU Grad from 1987. But, I need some NIU Sports fans support.

I am currently a volunteer with the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.  Wait... Before you ignor this I just need a few minutes of your time.  Afterall, our game is not until Friday.

Drum and Bugle corps is a musical and athletic event all combined into one. Our members, who pay to be on this team work on the football field 12 hours a day and compete in world championships.

We are in the running for a grant for $100,000.00. We need votes on Facebook to get this grant that is available to non-profits with an annual budget under $1,000,000.

Please go to www.oregoncrusaders.org to get to the voting area.  You must be on facebook to vote.  Please help this youth performance arts group out and win the $100K.

if you do not think this is a sport type event, please go to youtube and search for the Oregon Crusaders drum and bugle corps. They run around and play instruments all at the same time. It is quite amazing.  Several of the NIU Huskie marching band members have marched drum corps and all I ask is a few minutes today. Today only to cast a vote for the Oregon Crusaders.

 

Thanks and Go Huskies, Beat EMU.

After seeing this weekend's MAC results, my mind wandered back to an old John Mayer tune, "Gravity".  And the lyrics almost seem to cry out about the current state of affairs in MAC football.

I've taken the liberty of rewriting some of the lyrics.....call it my own sports adaptation.  Here goes:

 Oh Parity, stay the hell away from me

Parity is working against me.

And parity wants to bring my team down.

Oh, I'll never know what makes this team

With all the skills that a coach can stand

Dream of ways to throw it all away.

Oh Parity, please stay the hell away from me.

Well. I knew our defense was very suspect heading into the season, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I would see this.

Our D is embarrasing, plain and simple.  CMU was run over by W. Michigan - I believe they scored 17 pts against the Broncos.

The real concern I have is heading into next season......how much can we expect this defense to improve?  And keep in mind we lose a healthy number of offensive weapons.  I know we have some real strong Freshmen recruits on the O side of the ball, but what is there on the D side?

There will be no MAC championship, or West Division title or Bowl game.  Best case scenario for this squad is a 6-6 season.

Since so many teams are in the Conference adjustment stage, I'm wondering if NIU will end up going somewhere.  I have no news, so don't expect any.  I also understand that NIU is presently only upwardly mobile in football, if there.  

 

However, if the Big 10, Big 12, SEC, and others continue swallowing up competitors, I have to wonder if one of the Majors (Big East?) might be looking to add to get to 16 schools down the line.  Obviously, this will be a 'sit and wait' type of proposition.  My guess is that NIU will remain in a potentially diminished MAC, which may be pushed to add schools if some of the members get added to larger expanding conferences.

Continue reading this post »

Yours truly was at Soldier Field and witnessed the one-sided victory by the Badgers.  Make no mistake about it, Wisconsin is for real.  Having said that, NIU has a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball.  In my opinion, this will not be a one year makeover.  We've got holes to fill on the D line and linebacker.  Fortunately we have a head coach with strong defensive credentials.

I was really disappointed in our offensive performance, but I did some evaluation after the game.  We don't have a Wolffe or Spann in the backfield to help open up the passing game.  Hopkins has speed and moves, but I have my doubts about Womble....time will tell.   Harnish certainly has running skills, but the Badgers shut that down.

Bottom line:  this team is a "work in progress" and combine that with a whole new coaching staff.  This may require some patience from the Huskie Nation.

Just noticed where only 35,000 tickets have been sold for this Saturday's game. I really thought the Badger faithful would show for this one. Especially since there is no TV coverage. Apparently they are underwhelmed with the matchup, after seeing our defensive showing agsinst KU. I certainly hope Rashaan Melvin is ready to play....we need him badly. From what I've seen in early games, Wisconsin has a couple of "stud" running backs, and their new QB is big and athletic. I hope we can hang with them, but I have my doubts. I'll be there cheering on the HUSKIES

Nothing like a shitty call to stop NIU from winning against a Big 12 or Big 10 team. Is it me or does this seem to happen every time we get close to dominating or winning? It makes it much harder if we have to play against both a good team and the shitty refs. Good win KU, nice defense NIU. Hope you show up against Wisconsin or this is going to be a let down of a season.