What happened: The Huskies (5-2, 2-1 MAC) defeated the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (1-7, 1-3 MAC), 51-41, Saturday at Huskie Stadium to close out NIU’s three-game homestand.

How it happened: The Huskies came out rolling and didn’t miss a beat in the first half. They scored on all of their first-half drives – five touchdowns and one field goal – except for a kneel down to end the half.

The RedHawks hung around in the first half, pulling within 37-21 with 0:27 left in the second quarter. Their lone lead came at 7-6 with 6:28 to play in the first quarter before the Huskies rattled off 17 unanswered points.

Miami (Ohio) opened the second-half scoring, as quarterback Andrew Hendrix’s 4-yard touchdown run pulled the RedHawks within 37-28 midway through the fourth quarter.

The RedHawks narrowed the Huskies’ lead to 44-34 early in the fourth quarter; however, a failed two-point conversion kept it a two-score game. The Huskies added to their lead and then held off the RedHawks, winning 51-41.

What it means: The win, coupled with Central Michigan’s loss to Ball State, means the Huskies once again control their own destiny in the MAC West. If they win out they will represent the MAC West in the MAC Championship game for the fifth-straight season.

The Huskies showed their offense is in fact capable of some big days. They racked up 433 rushing yards after totaling 414 in their last three games combined. After putting up 48 points the last three weeks combined, they posted 51 against Miami (Ohio).

Three stars:

3. Redshirt senior running back Cameron Stingily: 23 carries for 133 yards and one touchdown

2. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Andrew Hendrix: 23-42 for 346 yards and two touchdowns; 14 rushes for 72 yards and three touchdowns

1. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Drew Hare: 12-16 for 185 yards and one touchdown; 17 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns; first career 100-yard rushing game

Up next: The Huskies return to the road noon Saturday when they take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-5, 1-2 MAC) at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, Mich.