DeKalb, Illinois is not that far from the city life of Chicago, but it may as well be in north central North Dakota.  From interstate 88, you can see the Huskie Stadium, that is if the corn has already been harvested.  Due to television contracts with ESPN, many Middle-American conference games fall on weekday nights, but that does not dull the enthusiasm.  Many folks drive in from work and it may take a while to get adjusted to the college football mindset, but once the Huskies take the field to a barrage of fireworks, that ol' Saturday feeling comes back.  Fans pass the large DeKalb watertower that proudly displays "Home of the Northern Illinois Huskies" as they move toward the parking lots paved over cornfields.  Tailgating is at a minimum on weekday nights, but Saturdays are generally an extravaganza of burgers and brats.  Students descend from the four main dorm towers that lie to the north of the stadium.  Once in the stands focused on the game, it is easy to forget that MAC football is being played.  The excitement of the crowd and loyalty of the fans helped me to gain a greater respect for the lower conferences in college football.  The players fight hard, fans cheer hard, and the band plays hard.  Something that does appear to be a distinct tradition of this conference is the usage of thundersticks.  These are two feet long inflatable noisemakers that are banged together in unison by the crowd.  Nearly every MAC school uses these.  The fact that the idea has caught on so well is great, but they can be rather annoying when little kids behind you are banging them in your ears.  Thundersticks and talent may separate the MAC from other conferences, but there is one other item that requires addressing - facilities.  Below the stadium is extremely overcrowded and it takes all of halftime to just figure out which is the line for the bathroom and which is for the concessions.  After the game, it was evident that fans aren't the only ones lacking the star treatment.  The cheerleaders themselves (along with the Huskie mascot) had to fight through the bathroom lines and hectic crowds just to get to their dressing areas.  One would think that there would be a separate tunnel for their convenience.  Of course, I grabbed the opportunity to get a photo with the Huskie mascot.  Aside from the fire hazards, Huskie Stadium was a great experience.  I take with me fun memories of good football and energetic fans - and a few thundersticks.

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