The Chicago Sun-Times: To go bowling, beat the champs - NIU needs win over C. Michigan for shot at postseason

Northern Illinois' 2006 season continues its dreary dog paddle to the finish pound tonight. A champion will play at Huskie Stadium -- only it won't be the Huskies.

Central Michigan, the surprise of the Mid-American Conference, steams into DeKalb with a newly entered West Division championship on its resume and a five-game winning streak. NIU will be playing for the faintest hope -- fear? -- of going to some dot-done bowl game.

The Chicago Tribune: NIU's Wolfe has target on back

Fame has taken a toll on Northern Illinois star tailback Garrett Wolfe, but not the kind generated by newspapers, radio and television.

Wolfe, still the top rusher in the country despite four sub-100 yard games, has been his opponents' focus of attention. Defenses have been designed to stop the Chicago senior and the result is some wear and tear on his 5-foot-8-inch frame that is listed carrying 177 pounds.

The Daily Southtown: Wolfe, NIU limp into finale

Wolfe has been banged up the last several weeks, suffering a hamstring pull and a damaged shoulder.

For someone who depends on quickness in cutting and in lowering his shoulder to punish a potential tackler, there aren't two more aggravating injuries to have.

As a result, Wolfe's effectiveness has been limited, if not completely stunted, and the Huskies have felt his diminished value.

Since his 353-yard game against Ball State on Sept. 30, he's totaled 352 yards in five games, and Northern Illinois has gone 2-3 in them.

The Beacon News: Curtain call? - Northern's 14 seniors ready for final home game

It will be the final opportunity for this year's 5-5 NIU team to beat a team with a winning record. The Huskies wrap up the season next Friday at Eastern Michigan (1-9). The team needs to win both to extend a streak of seven straight winning seasons and maintain its faint hopes of receiving a bowl bid.

The Beacon News: NIU's Wolfe a semifinalist in race for top running back

Northern Illinois tailback Garrett Wolfe is one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation's top running back.