But the Zips were able to score in the final seconds, and the Huskies were left out of the bowl picture.

That's how 2005 ended for Northern Illinois. To start 2006, the Huskies are trying to put that experience behind them and look to the future.

The future is going to hold a lot of running back Garrett Wolfe, who will be the focal point of the Huskies offense this season. Wolfe is going to be needed more than ever because Northern Illinois is trying to replace departed wide receiver Sam Hurd, leaving quarterback Phil Horvath to try to find some new receivers.

Coach Joe Novak doesn't want to wear down Wolfe, either, so sophomore Montell Clanton and junior Cas Prime will be getting some carries as well.

Defensively, the Huskies need to replace four starters, including linemen Martin Wilson and Quince Holman. Northern Illinois' defense was a bit inconsistent in 2005, but when it put things together, it was nearly impossible to move on.

Novak knows his team let a great shot at the MAC championship slip through its fingers last year, but he only cares about this season. That means a lot of Wolfe and -- for the Huskies' sake -- a few more victories.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Coach Joe Novak hired a familiar face when he needed an interior defensive line coach, grabbing Jeff Phelps to replace Derrick Jackson, who moved to a similar position at Michigan State. Phelps was a four-year letterman and two-time All-MAC selection at Ball State from 1994-97.

SCHEDULE SITUATION: The Huskies didn't have a schedule put together by the time spring practice began, but they're hoping to avoid the early-season setbacks like they suffered against Michigan and Northwestern a year ago.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Listen, I do know this: We're not exactly ready to play Ohio State right now. I'm very pleased with the spring so far, our work ethic, our energy and our enthusiasm. At this point, we have some rough edges. I do think we can be a good football team. There's no doubt there. But we have a lot of work to accomplish this spring and August before we play at Ohio State." -- Head coach Joe Novak about the Huskies' September 2 season opener at the fabled horseshoe in Columbus

RB Garrett Wolfe -- The senior has been outstanding carrying the ball when he's healthy, so the Huskies are hoping he can avoid injuries in his final season in DeKalb. Wolfe has started catching the ball out of the backfield as well, so he's likely down for 30-40 touches a game.

QB Phil Horvath -- When the running game was struggling in 2005, Horvath was able to take over contests by going to the air. How well he'll be able to do that without Sam Hurd on the receiving end is anyone's guess, but Horvath is likely licking his lips waiting for teams to stack it up close to the line to try to stop Wolfe.

FS Dustin Utschig -- The senior topped the Huskies' tackle charts a year ago with 121 while also making three interceptions and forcing two fumbles. He'll really need to step up his game as teams try to test him early on and make him less aggressive going for the ball.

TOP NEWCOMERS: As much as Joe Novak likes to rotate his tailbacks, freshman Ricky Crider from Evansville, Ind., could see the ball in hands a lot more often than he might anticipate in the first couple games. With A.J. Harris having graduated, the Huskies need someone to spell Garrett Wolfe and Crider might be the guy.

ROSTER REPORT: Garrett Wolfe had surgery on his right shoulder and will not participate in spring drills. The Huskies are hoping to have him 100% healthy for the regular season, so missing spring practice is more a precautionary move than anything.