NIU football (6-5, 3-4 MAC) were defeated 20-9 by the Miami University RedHawks (7-4, 6-1 MAC) Tuesday in the Huskies’ second-to-last game of the season.
FIRST HALF
The Huskies offense was sluggish in the first half, posting only 81 yards while the RedHawks logged 250.
Miami opened the game aggressively, throwing the ball for the first 3 plays to pick up 3 quick first downs. The RedHawks’ early passing attack marched them into Huskie territory, leaving the drive fruitless after Miami redshirt junior kicker Dom Dzioban missed a 41-yard field goal attempt.
On the ensuing drive, NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton walked off the field due to injury and was replaced by redshirt freshman Josh Holst. After suffering the stinger, Hampton returned to the game on the Huskies’ next drive.
Miami gained a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter with a 5 play, 63-yard drive. RedHawk senior running back Dylan Downing logged the score, finding the endzone with a 2-yard rush.
After NIU was forced to punt, the RedHawks took a 2-possession lead as Dzioban redeemed himself with a 22-yard field goal.
On their next offensive possession, the RedHawks went up 17-0 after a lengthy drive. Senior running back Kenny Tracy connected with junior wide receiver Reggie Virgil for a 30-yard passing touchdown.
Profiting off a 47-yard field goal, the Huskies trimmed their deficit to 17-3 heading into halftime.
SECOND HALF
In the third quarter, neither team reached the end zone. Miami and NIU combined for 3 punts and 1 turnover on downs throughout the frame.
To close out the third quarter, redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams brought NIU deep into Miami territory with a 20-yard rush. Freshman running back Johnson capped off the Huskies’ 9-play, 61-yard drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
After failing the ensuing 2-point attempt, the Huskies faced a 17-9 deficit with just under 12 minutes to go.
After trading scoreless drives, Hampton fumbled the ball 8-yards behind the line of scrimmage. RedHawk redshirt senior defensive lineman Brian Ugwu recovered the fumble, recording Miami’s fourth sack of the night.
Miami capitalized on the turnover by extending its lead to 20-9 thanks to Dzioban’s second field goal of the night.
Holst replaced Hampton for a second time on the following drive, finishing the remainder of the game under-center. Despite reaching as far as Miami’s 25-yard line, the Huskies failed to add on to the scoreboard after Woodill’s field goal attempt was blocked.
UP NEXT
The Huskies close the regular season Nov. 29 against Central Michigan University at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Live stats will be available through SIDEARM Sports.
