DeKALB – Every once in a while, Northern Illinois defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen will simply stick his head into the film room on a Sunday or Monday, taking a little break from game
planning.

When Nielsen peeks in, he usually sees one of his defensive linemen – guys like Sean Progar, Nabal Jefferson, Alan Baxter or Joe Windsor, to name a few – either studying themselves or their upcoming opponent. This week, it’s a Central Michigan team fresh off a 32-31 victory over Iowa.

Nielsen stresses film study, and it could be a main reason his defensive line currently ranks second in the Mid-American Conference with 13 sacks.