The BCS bowl game that’s generated the most controversy is the match-up between the 12th ranked Florida State Seminoles (10-2) and the 15th ranked Northern Illinois University Huskies. If not for the Huskies who in Chicagoland would even know how to spell Herbstreit’s name?
Sure, FSU players appear bigger and faster than the Huskies on paper but the game is played on the field. Yes, the Huskies are this year’s BCS Cinderella story but if the shoe fits…
Northern Illinois is the first MAC school to play in a BCS bowl game. The Huskies were ranked 21st in last regular season BCS standings. They had to beat 17th ranked Kent State — which they did — in the MAC title game to have a shot. They also had to reach the top 16 and with Nebraska losing big in the Big Ten title game, combined with UCLA and Texas losses, they got the job done. These Huskies earned it. Since last Oct. 2, NIU is 21-1, the best record in the country.
Oh, speaking of other comparisons, the Huskies beat the ‘Noles in academics. Apparently, Huskies fans are more excited than ‘Noles fans about playing in the Orange Bowl. As of December 15, NIU has distributed more tickets than FSU. It’s not every year a team from these parts gets to play in the Orange Bowl. In fact NIU is the first team ever from Illinois to play in the Orange Bowl. That goes back to 1935.
Chicago almuni are going. Rockford alumni are going. Naperville and Aurora, too. Packages are all but sold out. Apparel for those BCS crashing Huskies are among the hottest items at area retailers.
The Huskies left for Miami in the wee early morning today. Their flight arrives at Miami International Airport around 11 a.m. FSU lands in Fort Lauderdale around 3 p.m. Both coaches, the Huskies’ Rod Carey and the Seminoles’ Jimbo Fisher, will address reporters at the airports following their respective arrivals. At that moment, it will be official: Orange Bowl Week will finally be here.
Go Huskies!
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