This week, Red & Black sat down with head coach John Carlson and players Reece Nilsen and Tommy Dunsire to talk about the teams upcoming spring season, evaluation of the fall slate and the hunger in the team room for a home MAC championship title and NCAA regional berth. Take a listen!

Production by Jerome Pearles

Host: Wes Sanderson Editor-in-Chief

In this week's episode, we sat down with NIU coaches Thomas Hammock, Connie Teaberry and Athletic Director Sean Frazier to discuss Black History Month, race in college athletics and furthering the conversation within the community. 

In today's episode, Editor-in-Chief Wes Sanderson sits down with Morgan Hooper, Natalie Hamp and Emmalise Nock. The three discussed the 2022 season, their love for gymnastics and the rise of the sport over the last few years.

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Audio Producer: Jerome Pearles

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After missing a few key players in a 42-21 loss to Western Michigan, NIU hopes rest over the Thanksgiving holiday rehabs and reenergizes the Huskies ahead of a championship battle in Detroit. Thomas Hammock returns to Detroit for the first time since his team was voted to finish last in the MAC West, this time with a chance to hoist his first conference championship in a rematch with the Kent State Golden Flashes. Northern Star sports editor James Krause is joined by Kent Stater sports editor Jimmy Oswald to break down the game ahead. Plus, redshirt junior wide reciever Cole Tucker discusses recovering from an injury that sidelined him last week.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guests Cole Tucker (@cole_tucker15) and Jimmy Oswald

A fumble recovery and 25-yard touchdown run by Clint Ratkovich gave NIU the 33-27 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bulls to secure the Mid-American Conference West Division championship. The Huskies are heading to Detroit, but they have one more regular season game on the docket against the Western Michigan Broncos. NIU coaches and players say they aren't overlooking the meeting, wanting to redeem a loss in 2020 and send off seniors on a high note. Northern Star sports editor James Krause sits down with senior punter Matt Ference to discuss what emotions senior players carry into their final game at Huskie Stadium. Plus, Krause breaks down the Broncos ahead of their visit to DeKalb on Tuesday on ESPNU.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guest Matt Ference (@mattference3)

In one of the most dramatic finishes of the year, the Huskies knocked off the Ball State Cardinals 30-29 to reclaim the Bronze Stalk Trophy thanks to a field goal by John Richardson as time expired. While Richardson's celebration was wild, the celebration after this Wednesday could be even greater. NIU and head coach Thomas Hammock can clinch the MAC West with a win on the road against the Buffalo Bulls on ESPN2. Richardson joins the show to talk about the celebration that broke the internet while UB Spectrum senior sports editor Anthony DeCicco tells us what to expect from a Bulls team that could play spoiler to the Huskies championship plans.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guests John Richardson (@J_Richardson7) and Anthony DeCicco (@DeCicco42)

Rocky Lombardi and Trayvon Rudolph broke school records for NIU, but the Huskies couldn't break the Kent State Golden Flashes in a 52-47 loss last week. The pair of offensive playmakers had all-time performances, but injury concerns follow the Huskies into their next meeting, the Battle for the Bronze Stalk against Ball State on Wednesday night at Huskie Stadium. Northern Star sports editor James Krause reviews what led to the loss in Kent, Ohio and previews what NIU needs to do to avoid a third straight loss to the Cardinals. Plus, wide receiver Messiah Travis joins the show to discuss the next man up mentality.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guest Messiah Travis (@_Travis84)

With the arrival of November comes the return of midweek MACtion. The Huskies open their midweek schedule with a bang as they meet the Kent State Golden Flashes in a battle of divisional leaders at Dix Stadium. With the extra time to prepare, how will NIU fare against the up-tempo offense of Sean Lewis' team? Northern Star sports editor James Krause previews the game and interviews redshirt freshman offensive lineman J.J. Lippe about how the team used their 10-day break.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkruasepro) with guest J.J. Lippe (@jjlippe_)

The Huskies came back from down 28-10 in the first half to knock off the Central Michigan Chippewas 39-38. NIU was propelled to 4-0 in Mid-American Conference play with a great performance by Rocky Lombardi, another prolific rushing game and a late field goal by freshman kicker Kanon Woodill in his first collegiate start. The Huskies bye week has arrived just in time for MAC schedule to transition over to midweek #MACtion. Northern Star sports editor James Krause recaps the game and interviews head coach Thomas Hammock about his confidence in his team and what he's learned about the squad through eight games.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guest Thomas Hammock (@NIUCoachHammock)

A 210-yard rushing performance by Jay Ducker and a 100-yard kick return touchdown by Trayvon Rudolph helped lift the Huskies past the Bowling Green Falcons 34-26 at Huskie Stadium. The victory brings NIU's winning streak to four and their record remains perfect in Mid-American Conference matchups. The Huskies look to extend that streak in a high stakes meeting against the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday on ESPNU. Northern Star sports editor James Krause breaks down the news heading into the contest, plus interviews redshirt junior defensive end Michael Kennedy. Then, Central Michigan Life sports reporter Christian Booher joins Krause is previewing the MAC West battle in Mount Pleasant.

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Hosted by James Krause (@jkrausepro) with guests Michael Kennedy (@mike_kennedy5) and Christian Booher (@CBooher_)