There’s nothing like a terrific game by a backup player to speed the healing of an injured regular.
Northern Illinois’ 220-pound tailback, A.J. Harris, sprained an ankle in Friday night’s 34-17 victory over Bowling Green. So 5-foot-7-inch, 174-pound Garrett Wolfe replaced him and rushed for 204 yards on 30 carries, scoring on runs of 42, 21 and 8 yards in the second half.
Coach Joe Novak correctly predicted, “Harris will get well fast, especially because of the way Wolfe played.”
Novak announced Sunday that Harris is OK and will start Saturday against Akron, like NIU 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference. Wolfe will share the position with Harris.
Sophomore Phil Horvath, who directed NIU’s turnover-free offense against Bowling Green, was again listed as the starter at quarterback. Josh Haldi, sidelined by a stress fracture in his foot, is scheduled to visit a doctor Monday.