Red Black Football Podcast

The Huskies brought the fight to Eastern Michigan, but did not take home the win in a 41-33 battle to close their season. James Krause and Mike Knapp talk about what's next for the program after a winless COVID-19 shortened season. The two discuss returning players, the incoming freshman class and Mike bids farewell to the Northern Star. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp

The Huskies found themselves with a chance to snatch their first win of the season entering the fourth quarter last week, but 17-unanswered points gave the Toledo Rockets the 41-24 win. NIU tries to pick up the pieces and avoid a winless season when they travel to Ypsilanti to face the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Mike Knapp and James Krause breakdown all things NIU football ahead of the season finale. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp.

NIU was close but no cigar in their quest to knock off the undefeated Western Michigan Broncos, losing 30-27 thanks to a late field goal. What was the difference in the Huskies closest contest of the year? Mike Knapp and James Krause breakdown the game while getting you ready for what fans and players have dubbed 'Toledo Week'. Plus, Jordan Gandy joins the show fresh off a great performance and earning a scholarship from NIU. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp.

The Huskies were close but no cigar in the Battle for the Bronze Stalk, coming up short against Ball State and dropping to 0-3. Halfway through the season, NIU now searches to knock off the only undefeated team in the West division, the Western Michigan Broncos. Mike Knapp and James Krause breakdown the matchup ahead and talk to wide receiver Cole Tucker about the progress the offense has made through three weeks. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp.

The Huskies took another beating last week, this time at the hands of the Central Michigan Chippewas in a 40-10 loss. Mike Knapp and James Krause discuss quarterback play and other issues the Huskies will need to address going into their first road game of the season in Muncie, Indiana. The two also explore the meaning rivalry games carry as NIU gets ready for the Battle for the Bronze Stalk against the Ball State Cardinals. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp.

The Huskies were downed by five turnovers in their season opener against Buffalo, losing to the Bulls 49-30. Mike Knapp and James Krause discuss what NIU can build on ahead of their next game against the defending MAC West champions, the Central Michigan Chippewas. Plus, redshirt senior defensive lineman Weston Kramer joins the program and more! Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp

It's baaaack. After an offseason of doubt, NIU football is back and starts with a big cross-conference meeting with the Buffalo Bulls on Wednesday night. Reporter James Krause and columnist Mike Knapp are back as well, talking about the changes to expect from the Huskies this season in Thomas Hammock's second year as head coach. Plus, redshirt senior linebacker Kyle Pugh joins the show ahead of his first game since being sidelined with injury last season. Hosted by James Krause and Mike Knapp.

With their loss last week to Eastern Michigan University eliminating them from postseason play, the Huskies turn their attention to closing out the year on a high note with a win over Western Michigan University on Senior Night. Mike Knapp and James Krause breakdown the Huskies' loss and talk about how NIU can play spoiler against the MAC West leaders.

NIU held off a late Toledo surge with a last-second field goal by John Richardson to keep postseason hopes alive for the Huskies. The team returns to DeKalb for Tuesday night #MACtion against the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Mike Knapp and James Krause preview the action and breakdown the Huskies win over the Rockets. Tight end Mitchell Brinkman joins the show.

The Huskies were down early and often against Central Michigan, losing 48-10 and falling to 3-6 on the season. NIU enters the last quarter of the season with postseason hopes on life support as they hope 10 days of rest results in a win over the Toledo Rockets Wednesday night. James Krause and Mike Knapp preview the action and first-year linebacker Nick Rattin joins the show.

The Huskies are riding a wave of momentum following a 49-0 homecoming win over the Akron Zips last week. Can NIU turn one win into a two with a win against Central Michigan this weekend? James Krause and a returning Mike Knapp breakdown the Huskies ahead of their trip to Mount Pleasant while wide receiver Cole Tucker joins the show.

NIU fell again in MAC play, losing a nail-biter to Miami of Ohio 27-24 in Oxford. Things got worse for the Huskies in preparation for their Homecoming contest against Akron, as news has come out of injuries on both sides of the ball for the Huskies. James Krause will breakdown all the news and how it will impact NIU moving forward. Defensive tackle Ben LeRoy joins the show to talk about the defense and how they prepare for the 0-7 Zips.

In a back-and-forth contest, it took a last-second field goal by kicker John Richardson to give NIU their first win since their season opener, beating Ohio 39-36. James Krause and Mike Knapp talk about the Huskies turnaround and preview their Mallory Cup matchup this weekend against Miami of Ohio. Joining the show this week is safety Adam Buirge fresh off his first career touchdown.

After losing the Bronze Stalk trophy for the first time in 10 years to Ball State, how will the Huskies rebound from a 27-20 loss where they led at halftime? Senior safety Marshe Terry joins the show to talk about the team keeping their heads up and focusing on Ohio this weekend. James Krause and Mike Knapp also talk about one of the best players in the MAC, Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke.

The Huskies came up just short of a win in Nashville over Vanderbilt last week, but the Huskies return to DeKalb for their first Mid-American Conference contest of the year. It's the Battle for the Bronze Stalk as NIU hosts the Ball State Cardinals. James Krause and Mike Knapp preview the potential passing slugfest and NIU quarterback Ross Bowers joins the show.

As if a 44-8 loss to Nebraska wasn't bad enough, several big names on defense are going to be missing significant time for the NIU football team. James Krause and Mike Knapp will discuss the Nebraska game, injuries, and what to expect when the Huskies head to Nashville to face the Vanderbilt Commanders. Also joining the show is senior safety Mykelti Williams to discuss facing Riley Neal, a former Ball State quarterback now sporting the black and gold of Vandy.

NIU is on a by this week, and so are James Krause and Mike Knapp. The show will resume next week with a recap of a 44-8 loss to Nebraska and a preview of the game in Nashville against Vanderbilt. Until then, here is a brief update from James on news around the Northern Star and it's football content.

NIU was able to hang with the ranked Utah Utes in the first half of their game last week, but ultimately lost 35-17. On today's show, James Krause and Michael Knapp preview the Huskies visit to Nebraska to face the Cornhuskers, who NIU beat in 2017. Senior linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis joins the show to talk about how the Nebraska game will be a family affair.

The Huskies football team picked up a 24-10 victory over Illinois State to open their season. A pick-six touchdown was enough for this week’s guest, redshirt sophomore Jalen McKie, to be named MAC Defensive Player of the Week. James Krause and Michael Knapp also preview the Huskies search for redemption against the 13th ranked Utah Utes.

Sports writer James Krause and columnist Michael Knapp introduce the first edition of the Northern Star’s Red Black Football Podcast. This week’s episode includes an interview with Head Football Coach Thomas Hammock and all the news you need before the Huskies season opener against Illinois State.