Northern Illinois Huskies Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Northern Illinois Huskies Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2010 Record: 11-3 MAC Record: 8-1 (1st, West) 2011 Returning Starters: 14: 9 offense, 5 defense

Coach: Dave Doeren

Offensive Coordinators: Matt Canada Defensive Coordinators: Jay Niemann

2011 Northern Illinois Players to Watch: QB Chandler Hamish, WR Martel Moore, WR Nathan Palmer, OT Trevor Olson, DT Ron Newcomb, MLB Victor Jacques, CB Rashaan Melvin

2011 Northern Illinois Strengths:
Former coach Jerry Kill left the cupboard full, including veteran quarterback Hamish, who has size, astrong arm and is an accurate passer. Doeren and his no huddle scheme should be an instant hit as he builds on Northem Illinois’ high-powered passing game.

2011 Northern Illinois Weaknesses:
The pressure will be significant on Doeren, who has never been a head coach. Since the Huskies are coming off an 11-win season, the expectations will be fairly high. He must find Hamish a complementary running game; explosive Chad Spann has moved on and the Huskies don’t have an established back.

2011 Northern Illinois Offense:

Northern Illinois returns the majority of last year’s high-octane unit. In 2010, the Huskies averaged a MAC-best 38.0 points and 450.0 yards per game and punctuated the season with a 40–17 blowout win over Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl. Senior quarterback Chandler Harnish has a wealth of experience after starting 31 games in the previous three seasons. New coach Dave Doeren is relying on the versatility and experience of the dual-threat quarterback to run his no-huddle offense. The offense will feature a variety of different looks, including the shotgun, Pistol and snaps under center. Harnish, who finished second on the team in rushing last year with 836 yards, must carry a heavier burden until the offense finds a suitable replacement for two-time, 1,000-yard tailback Chad Spann. Newcomer Jamal Womble and senior Jasmin Hopkins get the first crack at filling Spann’s shoes. The good news is that the Huskies return all five starters on the offensive line, headlined by a pair of first-team All-MAC selections in left tackle Trevor Olson and center Scott Wedige. The Huskies have all the ingredients to equal last year’s offensive success if Harnish can stay healthy. There are plenty of experienced targets, with three wide receivers returning with at least 29 receptions and 525 yards receiving last year.

2011 Northern Illinois Defense:

Former NIU coach Jerry Kill built a solid, opportunistic defense during his three-year tenure. The Huskies ranked among the best units in the country last year, holding opponents to 18.9 points per game and recording 30 sacks while intercepting 16 passes. The defense in 2010, however, will look vastly different after losing numerous starters to graduation along the defensive line and in the secondary. In addition, NIU will be without linebackers Tyrone Clark (sitting out the season for personal reasons) and Devon Bulter (taking a redshirt after being involved in an off-campus shooting incident in early April), as well as strong safety Tracy Wilson (left school). There is some promise. The Huskies should be solid on the edges with ends Joe Windsor and Sean Progar, a first-team All-MAC pick in 2010. And two linebackers, Jordan Delegal and Pat Schiller, showed the ability to make plays last year. Safety Tommy Davis and cornerback Rashaan Melvin, both juniors, lead the secondary.

2011 Northern Illinois Special Teams:

The Huskies will have a new punter and a new kicker. Ryan Neir takes over at punter for Josh Wilber, who averaged 39.8 yards per attempt last year. The placekicking chores appear to be the domain of sophomore Mathews Sims, although Doeren can turn to junior Josh Gallington if there are struggles.

2011 Northern Illinois Football Schedule | Northern Illinois Football Sportsbooks

2011 Northern Illinois Predictions:

The season hinges on whether Harnish can stay healthy. He had trouble staying on the field in his first two years before playing in 13 of 14 games last year. The Huskies don’t have a backup with Harnish’s experience and ability to run and pass with equal efficiency. Northern Illinois navigated a tough schedule to win a school-record 11 games in 2010. This year, the Huskies have a more favorable schedule, with four of their first seven and final two games at home. The energy from a new coaching staff and desire for the senior class to play in a fourth straight bowl game should spur the Huskies to another strong season.

2011 Northern Illinois Betting Odds:

Northern Illinois Current odds to win a National Championship: +5000

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