Sun-Times - Utschig & Season Preview

Utschig one of the keys to Huskies' hopes

...the Huskies' defensive MVP with a MAC-high 121 tackles and three interceptions, including two in a critical 35-17 victory at Toledo. That was NIU's first victory against the Rockets in the Joe Novak era and greatly accelerated the Huskies' stretch run to the conference championship game.

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM
Returning skill and hunger, plus enhanced athleticism, only can stoke the Huskies' high hopes. The program's upward arc has been relentless, and the senior leadership -- West, Wolfe, Free, Utschig and Horvath -- does not want to drift away without MAC title rings.