Aug. 26, 2009

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois football team returned to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday evening after having Monday off for the first day of classes. With two-a-days complete, the Huskies will now split their days between school and football.

"It's different for the kids right now because in two-a-days they had nothing to do but football," said NIU head coach Jerry Kill. "Now they have football, school, studying, homework and have to get up earlier. It's an adjustment, especially for the freshmen."

Part of the adjustment for the Huskies will involve being able to balance school and practice, while also staying focused on each.

"I think the concentration level is just like anything else because we aren't playing a game this week," Kill said. "We certainly want the concentration level to be like it's game week, but no matter what we say they've been doing this for 20-something practices. Is their concentration level where I want it? No. But is it better today than it was yesterday? Yes, and it will get better as we get closer to the first game."

As NIU is getting closer to its first contest, the Huskies started to phase in some preparation for Wisconsin during Wednesday's wet and rainy practice.

"We have prepared for Wisconsin a little bit, not a lot," Kill said. "We are still practicing against each other and working on things that we need to do fundamentally. We are easing into our preparation. We spent the last 25 minutes of practice going over some things, but we haven't solely focused on preparing for Wisconsin yet."

Tickets for the 2009 Northern Illinois season are on sale now at the value price of just $90 for all six games. Discounts are available for NIU Faculty and Staff, NIU Alumni Association and Varsity Club members and senior citizens. A three-game "mini-plan" and single game tickets are also on sale. Tickets can be ordered at www.niuhuskies.com, by calling 815-752-6800 or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office in the NIU Convocation Center.

-NIU-