COLUMN: Run game and defense issues remain

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter

September 18, 2023

Quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open receiver to pass to during a play in the second quarter of the Huskies matchup against the Rockets on Sept. 30, 2022 at Huskie Stadium. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

DeKALB – NIU football (1-2) was a step slow in all three facets of the game in its 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2) Saturday. The Huskies offense was the most glaring issue, totaling just 149 scrimmage yards. The defense allowed Nebraska to pick up 23 first downs and surrendered 382 yards of offense.

AIR ATTACK

The Huskies passing game was shut down once again on Saturday, scoring just 11 points for the second consecutive week. Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi completed just 11 of his 28 pass attempts for 73 yards and an interception.

The Huskies were held without a touchdown for almost the entirety of the game, before scoring a touchdown and two-point conversion with four seconds remaining. NIU’s lone touchdown drive was pioneered by redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Hampton after Lombardi’s day was over.

Lombardi and the Huskies must be more of a threat to move the ball downfield in order to earn a victory in their final non-conference game against the University of Tulsa.

RUSHING ATTACK

In addition to the shortcomings in the passing game, the struggles in the running game continued for the Huskies against Nebraska. NIU managed just 1.2 yards per carry on 22 attempts.

Junior running back Antario Brown led the way in the backfield for the Huskies, gaining 16 yards on eight attempts.

Nebraska exploded on the ground, rushing for 244 yards on 44 attempts and scoring three rushing touchdowns.

NIU must be more creative in the run game in order to open up the passing game and be a more explosive offensive team.

DRAINED DEFENSE

The Cornhuskers dominated the time of possession Saturday, with the offense staying on the field 12 more minutes than the Huskies. A tired Huskies defense led to Nebraska converting 8 of their 14 third down attempts, resulting in more time on the field for the defense.

In order for the Huskies to return to .500, the defense must get off the field on third down and play a tougher run defense.

UP NEXT

The Huskies’ next game will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Huskie Stadium against the University of Tulsa. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network and live stats will be available via SideArm Stats.