NIU football (1-6, 0-3 MAC) eclipsed its season high in points in a 48-21 loss against the Ohio University Bobcats (4-3, 2-1 MAC) on Saturday, remaining winless in the Mid-American Conference and extending its losing streak to six.
FIRST HALF
The Huskies received the first half kickoff after winning the coin toss and electing to receive. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Holst got the start, his first since the loss to San Diego State University on Sept. 27.
After a quick three-and-out by the Huskies, the Bobcats returned the Huskies’ punt 52 yards to the NIU 14-yard line.
The Bobcats got on the board first with a 1-yard touchdown run by redshirt senior running back Sieh Bangura, set up by the long punt return by junior wide receiver Chase Hendricks.
Ohio cashed in its second touchdown of the first quarter on a nine-yard rushing touchdown by graduate student quarterback Parker Navarro after an 11-play, 91-yard drive.
The Huskies’ first three drives of the day all resulted in punts, with the Huskies gaining only 25 yards in the first quarter.
Bangura scored his second rushing touchdown of the first half, 3 minutes into the second quarter.
The Bobcats were able to score rushing touchdowns on each of their first three drives of the game.
NIU redshirt freshman cornerback Dev’ion Reynolds proceeded to return Ohio’s kick 67 yards to the Ohio 20-yard line. This was the Huskies’ first play in Ohio territory.
NIU capitalized, scoring their first touchdown of the game. Redshirt freshman tight end Devon Akers scored the touchdown for NIU.
The Huskies went for two and converted on a screen pass to sophomore wide receiver George Dimopoulos, narrowing NIU’s deficit to 21-8.
NIU got a sack on third down to force the Bobcats into their first punt of the game and the first stop for the Huskie defense.
The half came to an end after an endzone interception by Navarro to freshman safety James Finley. The game went to halftime with the Huskies trailing Ohio 21-8.
SECOND HALF
Ohio started the second half with the ball and scored on a 66-yard touchdown run, the Bobcats’ fourth of the game.
After a holding penalty on a two-point conversion attempt, redshirt freshman kicker David Dellenbach missed the long extra point.
After an NIU punt pinned the Bobcats inside the 5-yard line, Bangura ripped off a 49-yard run, putting him just under 100 yards for the game.
Brune cashed in a 97-yard drive with his second touchdown of the game, extending Ohio’s lead to 34-8.
The Huskies scored their first touchdown of the second half on a 50-yard strike from Holst to junior wide receiver DeAree Rogers.
After a failed two-point attempt, the Bobcats led the Huskies 34-14.
The Bobcats opened the fourth quarter with Bangura’s third touchdown of the day to extend Ohio’s lead to 41-14.
Redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright scored the third Huskie touchdown of the game to make the score 41-21 in the fourth quarter.
The Huskies stopped the Bobcats’ offense on fourth down deep in NIU territory midway through the fourth quarter, NIU’s first stop of the second half.
After a long drive by the Huskies, Holst fumbled inside the red zone, which was recovered by Ohio junior safety Jalen Thomeson for a touchdown to extend Ohio’s lead, 48-21.
The Huskies’ final drive of the game was a 4-play, 5-yard drive before turning the ball over on downs, allowing the Bobcats to kneel out the win.
Holst went 21-29 for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns while Rogers led receivers with 107 yards and 1 touchdown on 7 carries. Sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr. led NIU’s rushing attack with 64 yards on 11 attempts, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Redshirt senior left back Quinn Urwiler led NIU’s defensive efforts with 12 tackles.
