DeKALB — Welcome back to NIU football, where no lead is safe, and no heart is left unshattered. Despite yet another heartbreaking loss, I am turning a new leaf and talking about the good things I’ve seen, because everyone knows that I love positivity.
OFFENSE’S STALLED EARLY SPARK
After watching last week’s 6-3 loss, this week’s offense actually showed signs of life. The Huskies jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, as opposed to last week when they couldn’t get points on the board to save their lives.
One freshman of note is quarterback Brady Davidson. For it being his first career start, he held his own, completing 13 of 28 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. However, 81 yards came in the first quarter, which tells you exactly where the momentum died. The fact that most production came early highlights a consistent issue: The offense fails to adapt and sustain drives when defenses adapt.
It seemed as though the RedHawks’ defense figured out the Huskies’ plan of attack after the first quarter, and the offense just fizzled out after that. The offense combined for only 11 first-downs in the game, five of which came in the first quarter. Additionally, the Huskies totaled 114 rushing yards, 81 of those yards came in the first quarter. There’s a lot to look forward to but the offense needs to learn how to play all four quarters.
FRESHMAN RUNNINGBACK SHINES IN LOSS
If there was one star in the offense, it was true freshman running back Lazaro Rogers. On NIU’s first drive, Rogers ripped a 76-yard rushing touchdown to get a 7-0 lead over the Miami RedHawks and showed the explosive playmaking ability this offense has been missing. It’s worth noting that it was only his second-career collegiate carry, and he was clearly the offensive bright spot of the game for the Huskies.
Rogers finished the game with 98 net yards on 9 carries, averaging 10.9 yards per attempt. Playmakers like Rogers can turn the tides of a game in an instant, and with an offense that’s felt anemic this entire year, it’s a really good sign of things to come. If developed correctly, he could be an offensive centerpiece for this team.
URWILER CONTINUES TO BE THE HEART OF THE DEFENSE
While the offense has struggled to gain momentum all year, redshirt senior linebacker Quinn Urwiler has once again proved to DeKalb that he is the backbone of the defense. Against Miami, Urwiler recorded 14 tackles, 1 sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. His consistency and presence was felt, keeping the game within reach the entire game.
His dominance hasn’t been limited to one game. Urwiler now ranks third in the country in total tackles, which isn’t being talked about enough.
It’s simply a testament to his tenacity and leadership skills. It’s just a shame that despite his dominance, the team really hasn’t been able to capitalize on his efforts. Still, his performance remains a foundation for the defense moving forward.
