Overheard at the Dog Park: What NIU players and coaches are saying ahead of the Huskies’ game at Michigan

Cornerback Zhamaine March on what needs to improve for the NIU defense, which is allowing 412 yards a game in a 1-1 start to the season:

“I just feel like we need to stop the run more, be more physical up front. It starts up front. They’ve got a good O-line, and we’ve got to match their effort.”

[ Instant replay: Frantic NIU comeback from 26 down falls short against Wyoming ]

Defensive end Michael Kennedy on how to handle playing at Michigan on Saturday and it’s 110,000-seat stadium:

“At a place like that, if you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, it doesn’t get as loud as it could. Just act like we’re in practice and do what we do every day.”

Coach Thomas Hammock on the start to the NIU season, which started with a 22-21 win at Georgia Tech and continued last week with a 50-43 home loss to Wyoming:

“In the offseason we looked at the schedule, and we thought the toughest three-game stretch was the first three games. We’re currently in the middle of that stretch. The one thing that should be good for us is these games prepare you for your conference play.”

[ After dismal first half, NIU’s Waylee ends up with another career game ]

Hammock on handling the Big House:

“What a great opportunity. No one is giving you a chance, so you should feel no pressure whatsoever. The only thing you should feel is ‘Hey can I go out there and play my best and get Michigan to respect us and recognize who we are as a football program.’ That’s the excitement – 110,00 fans, and they’re into it. What a great atmosphere. Embrace it. No different than what we did a couple weeks ago down in Atlanta.”

[  Final drive helps NIU defy the odds, pick up upset at Georgia Tech ]

March on how to stop the Michigan run, which is averaging 339 yards a game:

“Our coaches are on us about gang tackling. We’ve got to be big at that. It’s starting at practice now, and we’ll get good at it.”

[ Carifio: With near-comeback against Wyoming, Huskies forge an identity ]

Kennedy on the keys for the defense:

“We just have to focus on things we can control and not commit any self-inflicted wounds. We have to play the full four quarters.”