While in my opinion NIU’s offense is the main contributing factor to its success, the defense made quite the showing against Buffalo.

Not only the statistics and on field play, but what really stood out in this game was the depth possessed by the defensive group.

The most evident example of the Huskies’ depth is that true freshman cornerback Marlon Moore made his first career start and made two interceptions in the end zone.

This allowed NIU to keep Buffalo without a touchdown, which is the first time in two years that it achieved such a feat since its 71-3 shellacking of Eastern Michigan.

Another showing of depth came when leading tackler, junior safety Jimmie Ward, was ejected for his hit on Buffalo receiver Alex Neutz late in the second quarter.

The replacements and substitutions at safety didn’t miss a beat, as the whole defense played in unity with the line getting pressure. The linebackers and defensive backs also played solid coverage and denied big plays.

The line was able to get to the quarterback four times, including a sack from junior Joe Windsor, who rotates in and out on the defensive line.

Windsor also posted a game best seven tackles, four of which were for a loss.

Throughout the whole fourth quarter, coach Dave Doeren was able to put in his third string unit. While usually a scenario in which the opposition can finally score, Buffalo was denied on its final drive, as junior lineman Zach Anderson came up with a fumble recovery on the goal line.

The reserves held their own, showing flashes of what got them to where they are, but the starters also showed what a year of experience will do.

The biggest defensive factor, aside from [Marlon] Moore’s interceptions, was the run defense of NIU. They held a strong running team in Buffalo to just 74 yards, its lowest total of the season.

While the defense will never outshine the offensive production this season, they have definitely turned up their play. In their last two games they have forced six turnovers, where in their previous five games they only forced four turnovers.

With as much success as they found last season, this team is an overall better team and is without a doubt MAC championship bound.