Football (6-3, 4-1 MAC) fought back from an early deficit to defeat Toledo (7-1) and gained bowl eligibility in the process.

The Huskies surrendered 17 early points to the Rockets, but closed the gap as the first quarter ended with a score of 17-10. Sophomore kicker Christian Hagan hit three field goals in the first half, two of which came in the second quarter. They were the only points scored by either team in the period.

The Huskies lost starting junior quarterback Drew Hare and senior wide receiver Tommylee Lewis to injuries in first half. Neither were able to return. Toledo led 17-16 at halftime.

Second Half

The Rockets shot back to start the second half, scoring on a touchdown to bring the scored to 24-16 and put NIU in a hole. The Huskies were saved in the third quarter by another Hagan field goal, this one from 52 yards. He was 4-4 on the day.

Toledo watched the game slip away in the fourth quarter as it was outscored 13-3. Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Graham replaced Hare and was able produce, going 9-12 for 132 yards and a touchdown.

The Rockets made attempts at game-winning drives but couldn’t put anything together, effectively giving NIU the 32-27 win and ending Toledo’s perfect season. The win gave the Huskies bowl eligibility.

NIU will put its winning streak to the test again as it faces off against Buffalo at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 in Buffalo, N.Y.