Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Turner moved past Mark Kellar and Deon Mitchell in the Northern Illinois record book Saturday. By rushing for 134 yards on 30 carries in a 24-16 victory over Iowa State, Turner became the school’s all-time rushing leader with 3,807 yards. Kellar had 3,745 from 1971-73. Turner also moved to the top of NIU’s charts in all-purpose yardage. Besides his rushing yardage, he added 30 on two receptions and 15 on a kickoff return for a career total to 4,761. Mitchell had 4,732 from 1995-98.
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“I never dreamed of being the leading rusher when I came here,” said Turner. “But we’ve worked hard and the yardage has come.”
Said wide receiver P.J. Fleck: “Those records are some of the greatest achievements a back can have. We’ve had some great backs here. The records are a tribute to Mike and the offensive line.” . . .
Iowa State coach Dan McCarney had high praise for NIU coach Joe Novak, Turner and defensive end Vinson Reynolds, whose 55-yard second-quarter interception return set up Turner’s TD, which tied the game 7-7.
“I hope the administration here takes care of Joe and his staff,” said McCarney. “They have a special thing going here.”