NIU’s running game has been a dead knockout this season thanks to the Huskies’ one-two punch in junior running back Cameron Stingily and senior quarterback Jordan Lynch.

Stingily and Lynch’s efforts have made the Huskies the No. 5 team in the nation when it comes to running the ball. This season the Huskies have run the ball for 1,517 yards and 11 touchdowns in their first five games. Stingily and Lynch will be the first ones to say all the credit goes to the play of the offensive line.

“I think we have one of the best offensive lines in the MAC and one of the best offensive lines in the nation, honestly,” Stingily said. “Because I get untouched for 4 to 5 yards on some plays. I love my offensive line.”

Last season, it was Lynch leading the way on the ground for the Huskies, but this season Stingily has solidified himself as the team’s top rusher. The linebacker-turned-running back leads the team in most rushing categories, running for 576 yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries.

Stingily is coming off a career game in which he shredded the Kent State defense for 266 yards on the ground and two touchdowns on his way to being named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week.

Lynch has still been more than effective running the ball, as he has accumulated 533 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 91 carries. Lynch is the No. 2 quarterback in the nation running the ball this season.

“We pride ourselves on running the ball downhill,” Lynch said. “We actually pride ourselves on getting 200 to 250 yards a game. With having the offensive line getting the good push and the chemistry they built over the year, and having Cam really helps, too.”

A big area the duo has shined in is the short yardage situation. Lynch loves having a power back like Stingily, who is more than able to pick up the first down in a 3rd and short or 4th and short situation.

“It takes a lot of hits off me,” Lynch said. “I can give it to our running backs and let them go run downhill and punish some of those linebackers and safeties….”

The duo has caused headaches for defenses this season as both are a threat to run the ball at any time.

“I wouldn’t want to be a defensive coordinator getting ready for us, or a safety or a linebacker trying to prepare for those two guys,” said running backs coach Kelton Copeland. “Because Lynch, he is a linebacker playing quarterback, we all know that with his running style, and obviously Cam is literally a linebacker playing running back.”