Mike Helfgot

Homewood-Flossmoor's Justin Hall (2) stiff arms Naperville Central's Joey Murray (5) during a game Nov. 3, 2017.

Homewood-Flossmoor DB Justin Hall at core of NIU’s improved in-state recruiting

May 31, 2019 at 9:38 p.m.

The setting was a national all-star game sponsored by a big shoe company, with even the practices televised on ESPNU. Recruiting, quite naturally, dominated conversations among 100 high school football...

Solorio quarterback Quincy Patterson runs against against Nazareth, Saturday, November 7, 2015, in Chicago.

Solorio QB Quincy Patterson has sights set on excelling academically, athletically at Virginia Tech

May 31, 2019 at 9:38 p.m.

Throwing in Quincy Patterson’s group was an NFL quarterback, and while Matt Blanchard was not exactly a household name, he sufficiently impressed a high school freshman brand new to the...

Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall (32) celebrates with defensive back Trae Williams after intercepting a pass from Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke during triple overtime.

Northwestern rallies for biggest win of season against Michigan State in 3OT

May 31, 2019 at 9:30 p.m.

Last week's overtime victory over Iowa was such a hoot, Northwestern decided to triple its fun. With the emergence of a passing attack and a friendly remaining schedule, the season...

Lovie Smith's 15-year plan is right on schedule.

Saturday’s matchup, prediction: Michigan State at Northwestern

May 31, 2019 at 9:28 p.m.

TV/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN, WGN-AM 720. Line: Michigan State by 2 1/2. Records: Michigan State 6-1, 4-0 Big Ten; Northwestern 4-3, 2-2. Last meeting: The Wildcats set a scoring...

Blocked punt keys Northern Illinois rally for OT win over Eastern Michigan

May 31, 2019 at 9:40 p.m.

The trick play was initially ruled a penalty. On review, it looked like a dagger. Instead, it was the spark Northern Illinois desperately needed. Trailing by two touchdowns after Eastern...

Northern Illinois head coach Rod Carey looks on from the sidelines during the second half against San Diego St. on Sept. 30, 2017.

Thursday’s matchup, prediction: Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois

May 31, 2019 at 9:25 p.m.

TV/radio: 6 p.m. Thursday, CBSSN, WIND-AM 560. Line: NIU by 7. Records: Eastern Michigan 2-5, 0-3 MAC; NIU 5-2, 3-0. Last meeting: Jordan Huff rushed for 173 yards and scored...

Northern Illinois' Marcus Childers runs the ball out of bounds in the first quarter vs. San Diego State on Sept. 30, 2017.

Saturday’s matchup, prediction: Northern Illinois at Bowling Green

May 31, 2019 at 9:31 p.m.

Internet/radio: 1 p.m. Saturday, ESPN3.com, WIND-AM 560. Line: NIU by 14. Records: NIU 4-2, 2-0 MAC; Bowling Green 1-6, 1-2. Last meeting: Joel Bouagnon celebrated senior night by rushing for...

NIU quarterback Marcus Childers runs the ball out of bounds in the first quarter against San Diego State on Sept. 30, 2017, in San Diego, Calif.

Saturday’s matchup, prediction: Northern Illinois at Buffalo

May 31, 2019 at 9:26 p.m.

Internet/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN3.com, WIND-AM 560. Line: NIU by 6 1/2. Records: NIU 3-2, 1-0 MAC; Buffalo 3-3, 1-1. Last meeting: Aregeros Turner returned the opening kickoff 97 yards...

Quarterback Marcus Childers leads NIU to 24-3 victory over Kent State

May 31, 2019 at 9:32 p.m.

The guy believed to have the best overall skill set did not win the quarterback competition. The youngest quarterback believed to have the highest upside was not named Northern Illinois'...

I want this game to be close. I want to be entertained. But I think John O'Korn is to Wilton Speight as Mitch Trubisky is to Mike Glennon. So throw me to the WOLVERINES.

Saturday’s matchup, prediction: Kent State at Northern Illinois

May 31, 2019 at 9:32 p.m.

Internet/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN3.com, WIND-AM 560. Line: NIU by 23 1/2. Records: Kent State 1-4, 0-1 MAC; NIU 2-2, 0-0. Last meeting: Making his first career start in the...

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