DeKALB – Every once in awhile, 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 peaks 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.

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