Northern Illinois University athletics updates

Northern Illinois University (NIU) basketball coach Matt Majkrzak is adjusting practice schedules to prepare for a 3 a.m. Eastern Time season opener against Grambling State. The game is part of the Field of 68 Tip-off Marathon in Rock Hill, South Carolina. To manage the unusual timing, the team will undergo a late-night practice on Friday and implement a specific sleep schedule to align with the early tip-off.

In football, the NIU Huskies are beginning a road trip with a matchup against UNLV on Halloween night at 9:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Recent standout performers for the Huskies include wide receiver DeAree Rogers, who was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, and cornerback Yassine Falke, who has recorded four interceptions this season.