Athletic Director Jim Phillips announced on Tuesday that Northwestern has added Northern Illinois to its 2014 football schedule. The Huskies join California, Western Illinois and Notre Dame on the Wildcats’ non-conference slate. With the exception of the Notre Dame contest, all games will be played at Ryan Field.

NU last played NIU during the 2005 season, with the Cats eking out a 38-37 victory after entering halftime with a 24-14 lead.

NIU is coming off back-to-back MAC Championships and a 2013 Orange Bowl appearance in which it lost to Florida State 31-10. The Huskies have started the season 3-0 and are 37-8 over the past three seasons.

— Dan Ryan