he would be transferring to NIU in December 2020, and he was named the starting QB to enter the season. NIU opened the year as an 18 point underdog to Georgia Tech, but defeated the Yellow Jackets 22-21. This marked their 12th victory over a Power 5 program since 2000 and 8th since 2009. The Huskies claimed their 5th MAC title since 2011 with a 41-23 victory over Kent State. After their win in the MAC championship, NIU was selected to play in the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina, a game they lost 47-41. Conference affiliations Northern Illinois has been a member of the following conferences. Independent (1899–1919) Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1922–1925) Independent (1926–1927) Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1928–1965) Independent (1966–1974) Mid-American Conference (1975–1985) Independent (1986–1992) Big West Conference (1993–1995) Independent (1996) Mid-American Conference (1997–present) Championships National championships Conference championships Conference championships won by Northern Illinois as of 2021. † Co-champions Division championships † Co-champions Bowl games Northern Illinois has played in 14 bowl games, having a record of 4–10. Other bowl games In years prior to having classifications for college football, Northern Illinois participated in five bowl games that are now considered as "College Division". They played in five bowl games, having a record of 1–4. Head coaches Career records of NIU head coaches. † Interim head coach for 2010 Humanitarian Bowl ‡ Interim head coach for 2013 Orange Bowl Rivalries Ball State Northern Illinois holds a 25–23–2 series lead over Ball State through the 2022 season. Individual honors Retired jerseys NIU has not retired any number but has honored the jerseys of four former players retiring them. College Football Hall of Fame There have been two former NIU players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. † Inducted as a coach Future non-conference opponents Announced schedules as of December 6, 2022. References External links American football teams established in 1899 1899 establishments in Illinois