DeKALB – Much like he ran away from the University of Akron’s defense on Saturday, NIU junior running back Antario Brown has run away with Huskie of the Week honors after a career-best rushing performance.

Brown ran for 280 yards and four TDs on 13 carries to lead NIU in its 55-14 blowout victory over the Akron Zips. His rushing total tied with University of Kentucky senior running back Ray Davis for the most ground yardage in a game by any Football Bowl Subdivision player this season. 

Each of Brown’s scoring runs were from distances of 45 yards or longer. His rushing average of 21.5 yards per carry broke the previous NIU record of 17.6, set by former quarterback Stacey Robinson during the 1989 season.

Brown’s Huskie of the Week honor was his second earned accolade on Monday. The Savannah, Georgia, native was also named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

Brown and the Huskies are back home at 3 p.m. Saturday for the 116th Homecoming Game against the Ohio University Bobcats at Huskie Stadium.

Next week’s Huskie of the Week will be announced on Oct. 16.

The Northern Star sports section’s Huskie of the Week is voted for on a weekly basis. Student-athletes considered for this week’s edition were chosen based on their weekly performance in competitions taking place from Oct. 2 to Oct. 8.