Senior kicker Steve Azar booted three field goals and four extra points for Northern Illinois on Saturday to become the all-time Mid-American Conference kick-scoring leader with a career total of 322 points. He passed Todd France, who scored 320 points for Toledo from 1998 to 2001. Azar raised his career field goal total to 66, two behind MAC co-leaders Gary Gussman of Miami (1984-87) and Rusty Hannah of Toledo (1989-92). “It’s kind of unbelievable that we’re just past halfway in the season, and I’ve achieved these marks because my teammates are doing so well,” Azar said. “It’s an honor to be mentioned with Todd France and the others.” . . .
Michael Turner met and talked Saturday with NIU Hall of Fame inductee LeShon Johnson, a Huskies All-America running back in 1993. Johnson and other new Hall of Fame members were introduced at halftime. “To meet him was great,” Turner said. “It was like history. He talked to me about things I might face in college and pro ball. I wanted to put on a little show for him, but the team goal was more important.” . . .
Coach Joe Novak was asked to look ahead to next weekend’s nationally televised game at Bowling Green, another highly regarded team that counts No. 13 Purdue among its conquests. “It’s exciting to be recognized,” Novak said. “But when we get to Bowling Green, our focus is going to be on the football field. I don’t care if the president is there. It’s going to be a great game. But as big a game as it is, there are still others left to play after it.”
