Northern Illinois demonstrated why it is the 18th ranked football team today by handing the Eastern Michigan Eagles a lopsided defeat. The Huskie effort was fueled by another outstanding performance by star quarterback Jordan Lynch, who threw for four touchdowns and caught a touchdown as a receiver. The final line on Lynch was 16-20 for 223 yards and four TDs. Lynch also added 99 yards rushing to compliment his record setting rushing effort from last week.
Northern Illinois scored early and often en route to a complete game victory, which extended the Huskies' home win streak to an NCAA best 24 straight games. Tommylee Lewis had an excellent game. Lewis rushed for 107 yards and threw for a highlight reel touchdown pass to his quarterback.
After Jordan Lynch exited with 6:33 left in the third quarter, Huskie backup QB Matt McIntosh served notice to the MAC that there is plenty to worry about from NIU after senior Lynch's graduation. McIntosh threw for a beautiful touchdown pass and showed that he is proficient at running the ball as well.
Eastern Michigan was hampered by indecision as to who was going to play quarterback. EMU started with Brogan Roback, but replaced him with Tyler Benz. EMU generated very little offense as a consequence. EMU did manage a late TD with 4:11 left in the fourth quarter, but it was much too little and way too late for the Eagles at that point.
With the victory, NIU improves its record to 8-0 while EMU falls to 1-7.