Dec. 04--There is no Heisman Trophy candidate on Northern Illinois' roster this year, no NCAA record-breaker, no stud running back.
Yet the Huskies keep on rolling, having won six straight games entering their fifth consecutive appearance in the Mid-American Conference title game Friday night in Detroit against defending champion Bowling Green.
A balanced, unselfish approach has been the key for this Huskies team (10-2, 7-1), which is bound for a seventh straight bowl game after Friday's rematch at Ford Field. Bowling Green (7-5, 5-3) defeated NIU 47-27 in last year's championship game.
"This team cares so much about each other and about winning that they don't care who gets the carries or the stats or the numbers," coach Rod Carey said. "They care about winning. That is their focus."
Friday's 31-21 comeback win at Western Michigan was a perfect example of the Huskies' productive, disciplined play.
Joel Bouagnon rushed for 70 yards on six carries (11.7 average) and Akeem Daniels had 58 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts (7.2). Cameron Stingily, who leads the team in rushing average (70.8 yards per game) and scoring (66 points), was limited to 31 yards on seven carries but did an effective job of blocking.
"As a group we just decided that we haven't been where we wanted to be these past few weeks, so if there is any game we can show our talents, why not this game," Daniels said after the Huskies wrapped up their fifth consecutive MAC West title.
Said Carey: "I know Cam was just ecstatic for what Akeem did in that game, and I know Akeem was ecstatic with Joel and Joel was ecstatic for Cam. It is a circular effect."
For Daniels, who missed last season with a foot injury, this year has been an emotionally uplifting experience.
"Once it started to sink in that I wouldn't be able to come back (last season), I can't sit around and pout about it," Daniels said. "I've got to do something about it, so I chose to watch a lot of film, work out and not let it set me back. And I got prepared mentally for this year.
"I really do appreciate this year ... can't take this game for granted."
The Huskies traditionally have had prolific running backs, going back to LeShon Johnson, Michael Turner, Garrett Wolfe and Chad Spann. This year's committee approach seems to be getting the job done.
"In that running backs room, there is nothing but love in there. No jealousy at all," Daniels said. "Me and Cam are best friends ... me and Joel and everybody. We're all one real tight family. ... When (Stingily) scores a touchdown, I am right there celebrating with him. The same vice versa."
At quarterback, first-year starter Drew Hare does not have the gaudy numbers Jordan Lynch and Chandler Harnish produced, but the quickly maturing sophomore hasn't been shabby, completing 150 of 250 passes (60 percent) with 15 touchdowns and only one interception. He also has a team-high 790 rushing yards on 133 attempts (5.9 average) and seven touchdowns.
"We preach that you have to earn the right to touch the ball here," Carey said. "You have to earn the right to play. That's offense, defense and special teams. You have to earn it every day with everything that you do."
Extra points: Offensive linemen Tyler Loos and Andrew Ness, defensive end Jason Meehan and cornerback Paris Logan were named first-team All-MAC on Wednesday. Wide receiver Da'Ron Brown, defensive end Perez Ford, linebacker Boomer Mays and safety Dechane Durante were on the second team, and Stingily and linebacker Rasheen Lemon made the third team.
fmitchell@tribune.com
Twitter @kicker34
