KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Mathew Sims warmed up before Saturday's 48-34 win at Western Michigan, using the same routine he does every week.

This time, Northern Illinois' junior kicker was in a different setting. Waldo Stadium was a better environment for Sims, who didn't have to deal with the swirling winds he's used to working with at Huskie Stadium.

He thought the weather was great, not as windy as it usually is in DeKalb. Prior to the game, Sims had his usual meeting with head coach Dave Doeren, telling NIU's second-year coach where he would be comfortable kicking from.