thanks for the info chenks!!!
write-up from another site:
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons travel to Illinois of Thursday to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies. These teams met last year in their final game of the season. Wake Forest held off a late comeback attempt by the Huskies to win the game 38 -35.
Now the Huskies look for revenge in front of a home town crowed. Sophomore QB Josh Haldi will take over the season calling this year. He took only 20 snaps in three games last season. The key to his success will be the running game. Led by 5-8, 214-pound tailback Thomas Hammock, Northern Illinois will once again pound away at opponents from the I-formation. Hammock has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, racking up eleven 100-yard rushing performances during that span.
Northern Illinois returns nine starters from last season defensive squad. The entire defensive backfield from last year is back, including Vince Thompson, a first team All-MAC pick who led the league in interceptions (five) and passes defended (17) in 2001.
Last season was coach Jim Grobe first for Wake Forest. He relied more on the run last season and the strategy seemed to pay off. The Demon Deacons as led the league in rushing (221.6 ypg) and were fifth in total offense (390.2 ypg). While the running game was good, the team became one dimensional. They managed only 168 YPG through the air.
Injuries will hurt the Decons in this game. Their best two RB's are out and their passing game is still not up to speed. Senior RB Tarence Williams, who rushed for 1,018 yards and eight scores last season, broke his foot and is out indefinitely and Fred Staton (583 yards and seven touchdowns last season) has been forced to sit out this season due to academic problems.
Not good news for senior QB James MacPherson who completed just 54% of his passes last season. He throw 5 TD passes last year while turning the ball over 11 times.
bottom Line: No running game for Wake equals no win.