Another week, another loss. This has become fairly routine in the last month, as NIU (1-6, 0-3 MAC) fell to Ohio (4-3, 2-1 MAC) in a 48-28 blowout. For the first time since Week 1 against the College of the Holy Cross, the offense showed flashes of promise, but it was overshadowed by the defense’s worst performance of the season.
At this point in the season, it’s hard to not feel like it’s a sinking ship. Mistakes have plagued every game, whether that be the lack of air attack, defensive lapses or missed opportunities. But even on a sinking ship, there are signs of life.
HOLST FINDS RHYTHM
After weeks of mediocrity, NIU’s passing game finally found footing. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Holst completed 21 of 29 passes, throwing for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 7.67 yards per completion.
It’s a real breath of fresh air from the first-year starter who, against San Diego State, only completed 6 of 14 passes for 49 yards.
Holst looked great in the pocket and took command of a struggling offense. His 50-yard touchdown to junior wide-receiver DeAree Rogers was the explosive play this team has been seeking for a while. The young quarterback spent much of the year under scrutiny, but this game offered real hope to fans. Maybe it’s a stretch, but if Holst continues to improve on his passing, NIU might finally find stability in the quarterback position, something that has been missing since quarterback Rocky Lombardi’s departure at the end of the 2023 season.
RUSHING CONTINUES TO SHOW PROMISE
The passing game carried much of the load for the NIU offense, but the run game was great behind the scenes. Sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr. led the way with 11 carries for 64 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
Johnson’s performance isn’t a mere outlier, as he has been the star of the run game this season. Through seven games, he has totaled 481 yards on 78 carries, with 6.2 yards per attempt and 2 touchdowns. Johnson has been a playmaker in an offense that struggled with identity issues.
Redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright has also helped keep the offense on its feet. Wright added a touchdown on limited carries, with only 3 attempts for 11 yards.
This tandem has kept the offense in the game every week, averaging 5.1 yards per carry on a team that has struggled to sustain drives.
DEFENSE TAKES A STEP BACK
The offense finally showed signs of life, but the defense, which is usually the team’s strength, let the team down.
Ohio repeatedly found holes in the NIU defense throughout the entire game, including two massive runs of 66 and 49 yards up the middle. These breakdowns shifted momentum away from the offense. What could have been a huge statement win turned into a blowout loss.
Redshirt senior linebacker Quinn Urwiler, as always, showed DeKalb why he is the backbone of this NIU defense. Urwiler once again led the team with 12 total tackles, which isn’t even a surprise at this point. Through seven games, Urwiler has racked up 82 tackles, which ranks second in the nation.
This was truly the first time all year the defense just completely unraveled. If the Huskies want any chance at somewhat salvaging their season, both the offense and defense need to stay on the same page consistently. The ship is sinking faster each week. Every game is an opportunity to patch the ship, but if the Huskies don’t act quickly, there may be nothing left to save.
