Northern Illinois Hosts Air Force in Mountain West Debut

Northern Illinois University hosts Air Force on Saturday, October 10, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois, for the Huskies' first Mountain West game and 119th Homecoming matchup. The game is on CBS Sports Network as NIU seeks its first win after a 0-4 start.

According to NIU, the Homecoming game is one of the oldest major college alumni gatherings in Illinois, dating to an alumni football game played on Oct. 10, 1903. The Huskies are 75-33-10 all-time in Homecoming games and have won 22 of their last 27.

NIU enters after a 35-14 loss to Georgia State, but the Huskies produced 432 total yards, including 320 passing yards from quarterback Taron Dickens, according to team statistics. Wide receiver DeAree Rogers recorded 107 yards on nine catches and one touchdown.

Junior safety Kyon Conyers discussed the importance of playing at home before the matchup with Air Force.

"We always love to come home and play and just give our fans what they want to see," said Kyon Conyers, junior safety.

Conyers and the NIU defense face an Air Force rushing attack that has produced 1,189 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, according to Northern Star. The Falcons average 297.3 rushing yards per game and lead the Mountain West in time of possession.

"Main focus is eyes and feet. You can’t get bored, and then they just get like a trick play off of this and throw it, so basically just play football, simple football," said Kyon Conyers, junior safety.

Air Force arrives after a 14-9 victory over Navy, but quarterback Liam Szarka is unavailable for multiple games after suffering a leg injury. Evan Medders is expected to start while Kemper Hodges remains part of the Falcons' option attack.

Interim head coach Rob Harley highlighted the challenge of preparing for Air Force's distinctive rushing system.

"Obviously they do something very unique in what they run, and so you got to be very disciplined. It’s going to take a lot of violence, it’s going to take a lot of communication and physicality," said Rob Harley, interim head coach.

Air Force's backfield includes Owen Allen, Rocco Conti and Kemper Hodges, who have combined for 471 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season, according to NIU. The Falcons rank third in the Mountain West in total defense, allowing 286.3 yards per game.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Chevy Trask said the Huskies used their bye week to address protection issues after quarterback Taron Dickens absorbed 14 sacks this season.

"Straining is a big part of eliminating, and keeping our skill guys clean," said Chevy Trask, redshirt senior offensive lineman.

NIU has forced six turnovers through four games and recorded 15 takeaways over its last 11 games, according to the program. The Huskies will travel to Wyoming on Saturday, Oct. 17, for their next scheduled game.