The lasting impressions of Northern Illinois’ 23-22 squeaker Saturday over Southern Illinois likely will be the successful blocking by the Huskies’ offensive line and the rushing of 219-pound tailback A.J. Harris.
“My line opened unbelievable holes for me,” said Harris, who ran for 139 yards on 24 carries.
NIU’s line figured to be the strength of coach Joe Novak’s team. That was the case Saturday, said Salukis coach Jerry Kill.
“Coach Novak and I believe in the same things,” Kill said. “Run the football and stop the run. Northern’s offensive line is big and powerful, and that big back Harris is a handful.”
Harris, a former star running back and state sprint champion from Wheaton North, established NIU’s ground game when he ripped behind crisp blocking for 64 yards on eight first-quarter carries. He had 103 rushing yards by halftime.
