Northern Illinois University (NIU) is considering an offer to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, potentially leaving the Mid-American Conference (MAC) where it has been since 1997. This move would increase the Mountain West's football membership to nine, providing a buffer above the NCAA's minimum requirement of eight. The MAC plans to add UMass as a full member in 2025, so NIU's departure won't affect its numbers. NIU has been successful in the MAC, winning five titles since 2011.
The Iowa women's basketball team secured a 91-73 victory over Northern Illinois in Jan Jensen's debut as head coach. Despite an early injury scare with standout player Hannah Stuelke, who later returned to the game, the Hawkeyes maintained a strong performance with six players scoring in double figures. The team overcame a modest halftime lead with a decisive third-quarter run, ensuring a comfortable win. Iowa will next face Virginia Tech in Charlotte.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for northern Illinois as the area prepares for snow accumulation of one to three inches, with isolated totals of up to four inches, and below-zero wind chills. The advisory, in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday to 12 p.m. Friday, warns of hazardous road conditions due to blowing and drifting snow, impacting the morning commute. Motorists are advised to use caution, and milder temperatures are expected to return next week.
Several schools in northern Illinois and Chicago will be closed on Tuesday, January 9, as listed by the Emergency Closing Center, due to inclement weather.
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake occurred in northern Illinois, making it the strongest earthquake the state has seen in six years. The quake occurred near Standard and was felt in the surrounding area. While most earthquakes in Illinois occur in the southern half of the state near the New Madrid fault line, there are fault systems in northern Illinois as well. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in Illinois was a 5.3-magnitude quake near Norris City in 1968.
Central Michigan defeated Northern Illinois 37-31 in a snowy Tuesday night game. Jase Bauer threw for one touchdown and rushed for two more, while Marion Lukes had 202 yards rushing and a score. Despite a late surge from Northern Illinois, Central Michigan's defense held on for the win. Central Michigan needs one more win in their final three games to become bowl eligible.
Ohio State has completed its non-conference schedules for the next five years, announcing games against New Hampshire in 2027 and Northern Illinois in 2028. New Hampshire will be playing Ohio State for the first time ever, while Northern Illinois will be playing at Ohio State for the third time. The Buckeyes now have three non-conference games scheduled for each of the next five seasons, including home-and-home matchups against Texas and Alabama.
Coach Tony White discusses the defensive improvements made by Nebraska's defense, including the success of the pass rush against Colorado. He emphasizes the importance of executing defensive strategies and understanding the opponent's offense. White acknowledges the physicality and variety that Northern Illinois brings to the game and highlights the need for continued improvement. The game against Northern Illinois will be televised on FS1 and can be heard on the Huskers Radio Network.
Southern Illinois defeated Northern Illinois 14-11 in a football game, extending their winning streak against FBS teams and in-state opponents. The Salukis never trailed in the game, relying on their defense, which recorded three interceptions, including one in the final seconds to seal the win. Quarterback Nic Baker and running back Ro Elliott scored the team's touchdowns, while the defense held strong despite giving up yards through the air. This victory marked Southern Illinois' sixth win against FBS opponents and their seventh consecutive win against in-state rivals.
Southern Illinois defeated Northern Illinois 14-11 in a football game, extending their winning streak against FBS teams and in-state opponents. The Salukis never trailed in the game, relying on their defense, which recorded three interceptions, including one in the final seconds to seal the win. Quarterback Nic Baker and running back Ro Elliott scored the team's touchdowns, while the defense held strong despite giving up yards through the air. This victory marked Southern Illinois' sixth win against FBS opponents and their seventh consecutive win against in-state rivals.
