DeKALB | Senior tailback Joel Bouagnon scored five touchdowns on 134 yards en route to defeating the Bowling Green State University Falcons 45-20 Tuesday on senior night at Huskie Stadium.

NIU (3-6, 3-2 Mid-American Conference) outplayed Bowling Green (1-8, 0-5 MAC) in nearly every statistical category including first downs, rushing yards, total yards and third down conversions when they handed the Falcons their seventh consecutive loss.

“We’re obviously really happy with the outcome of the game,” NIU head coach Rod Carey said. “It was good to get out to a fast start after getting a three-and-out. I think we controlled the line of scrimmage tonight and made critical plays when we had too.”

Bouagnon became the eighth player in NIU history with five or more rushing touchdowns in a game and the first since former running back Garrett Wolfe scored five times on Nov. 23, 2005, against Western Michigan University.

Carey said he was pleased his seniors had a good showing in their final game at Huskie Stadium as all dressed seniors were able to see some game time.

Huskie senior quarterback Anthony Maddie said he enjoyed being a spectator with Bouagnon’s success.

“[Bouagnon] was just running tough and not letting one guy bring him down,” Maddie said. “Obviously the whole team and the coaching staff have a lot of faith in what he can do.”

Bouagnon had 18 touchdowns last season, but only one touchdown this season.

“To be honest, I’m not worried about [stats] too much,” Bouagnon said. “It’s more about big picture things like getting wins.”

Carey said senior night can sometimes get into players’ heads. He noticed Bouagnon start to elevate his game when he calmed down a little bit.

“This is a special group of seniors and their leadership has been unquestioned this year,” Carey said. “We have gotten better and continued to fight because of these guys and their leadership, and I’m really proud of them.”

The team will continue their season 7 p.m. Wednesday against University of Toledo at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.

NIU students interested in attending the Chi-Town Showdown may receive one free ticket with a valid student ID card. Tickets must be requested and picked up prior to the game at the Convocation Center by Monday. Student buses will be available based upon availability.