The Northern Illinois Huskies (5-2, 2-1 MAC) rebounded after last weeks' home loss to CMU, as they defeated the Miami RedHawks 51-41.
After NIU scored a total of 48 points in their last three games, the Huskies' offense finally showed up again, thanks to a quarterback that had over 180 yards rushing and just as many passing yards (no, Jordan Lynch didn't suit up again). But the games was not an easy victory for the Huskies by any means, as their defense didn't play well at all, allowing Miami (1-7, 1-3 MAC) to keep the game relatively close.
In the first half, the Huskies offense started strong, scoring on their first six possessions (37 points on five touchdowns and a field goal). And they did so using the power run with Cameron Stingily and QB-keepers from Drew Hare.
As a team, the Huskies ran for 433 yards and SIX touchdowns, while throwing for just 225 yards and a touchdown. Miami, however, used a more pass-heavy attack, as the RedHawks tallied up 514 yards (346 passing and 168 rushing).
After trailing early, Miami attempted a second half comeback, cutting what was a 23-point deficit late in the second quarter to just 9, but the Huskies offense would prove to be too much. Andrew Hendrix, the Miami QB, was 23 of 42 for 346 yards and had five total touchdowns (two passing and three rushing), including this nice 24-yard pass to Rokeem Williams.
It has to be rare when both teams' leading rushers are their quarterbacks. Hendrix ran for 72 yards on 14 attempts - ten more yards than Dawan Scott could get for Miami. But it was Hare that surprised everyone, and led all rushers, with 180 rushing yards on 17 carries and two scores (including a 43 yard scamper here). Hare added 185 passing yards on 12 of 16 attempts, with his only passing touchdown coming via a 61-yard bomb to Da'Ron Brown - who finished the day with four grabs and 128 yards. Hare even caught a 17-yard pass from Aregeros Turner, that got NIU down to the 1-yard line.
Stingily added 133 yards on 23 carries and a 1-yard TD run for the Huskies, while backup quarterback Anthony Maddie threw for 22 yards and rushed for 49 more.
Williams led the RedHawks in receiving with 97 yards on five grabs, while David Frazier was right behind him with seven catches for 87 yards.