What happened: The Huskies (4-2, 1-1 MAC) lost to the Central Michigan Chippewas (4-3, 2-1 MAC), 34-17, in NIU’s 108th Homecoming game Saturday at Huskie Stadium.

How it happened: The Chippewas went up 14-7 late in the first quarter and never looked back.

The Huskies and Chippewas each posted touchdowns on their first drive of the game. NIU went 71 yards on five plays, and CMU responded with a 10-play, 86-yard drive. The Chippewas pushed their lead to 14-7 late in the first quarter, as Thomas Rawls bounced a run out to the left side for a 13-yard touchdown.

CMU continued its first-half dominance, going up 21-7 with 6:05 to play in the second quarter. Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush hit wide receiver Jesse Kroll for a 6-yard touchdown on an inside slant route with tight coverage.

After going 71 yards on their first drive, the Huskies recorded only 66 yards the rest of the half, punting the ball five times. They came into today ranked first in the MAC and fourth in the NCAA with a third-down conversion percentage of 56 percent; they went 2-7 in the first half 4-14 in the game.

CMU extended its lead to 24-7 as Brian Eavey nailed a 25-yard field goal 4:01 into the third quarter. NIU would go for it on 4th & 3 from CMU’s 49-yard line on the ensuing drive, but Cameron Stingily got hit in the backfield for a loss.

After the turnover on downs, Michael Santacaterina picked off a Cooper Rush pass, returning the ball to CMU’s 25-yard line; however, the Huskies had to settle for a 24-yard field, pulling them within 24-10.

CMU and NIU exchanged touchdowns before Drew Hare was picked off for the first time this season as the third quarter clock was running out.

The Chippewas closed the scoring at 34-17 with a 23-yard field goal from Eavey.

What it means: The Huskies’ 28-game home winning streak and 24-game MAC regular season winning streak both came to an end.

The last NIU home loss was Sept. 27, 2009, against the Idaho Vandals. The Chippewas were the last MAC team to beat NIU at Huskie Stadium, winning 33-30 Nov. 12, 2008, in DeKalb.

The Chippewas were also the last MAC team to beat NIU in the regular season, winning Oct. 1, 2011.

Three stars:

3. Central Michigan wide receiver Jesse Kroll: six receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown

2. Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush: 20-31 for 269 yards, two touchdowns and one interception

1. Central Michigan running back Thomas Rawls: 40 rushes for 270 yards and two touchdowns

Up next: The Huskies conclude their three-game homestand when they host the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (1-6, 1-2 MAC) 4 p.m. Saturday at Huskie Stadium.