NIU football’s home opener was a game of many firsts. It was the first home game, the first victory of the season, and it saw a plethora of personal firsts for many Huskies.

Behind junior quarterback’s Jordan Lynch’s stalwart effort, NIU (1-1) routed Tennessee Martin (1-1) to the tune of 35-7, striking early with a touchdown on the opening drive.

“I feel like I have a good grasp of the offense,” Lynch said. “Playing in this offense, there’s tons of guys around me that make me right.”

Lynch was able to find success in every facet of his game, running for three touchdowns and 60 yards. He added one touchdown through the air going 19-25 for 214 yards. Lynch also limited his miscues to just one interception.

“Like I’ve been saying all along, the guy can throw the ball really well,” said head coach Dave Doeren. “This team lightened it up at times and we took advantage of it.”

All of the aerial numbers put up by Lynch were career highs, including passing attempts, completions and yards. His four touchdowns on the day were two more than he had all of last season.

NIU also received a huge shot in the arm offensively by junior running back Leighton Settle. Settle rushed for his first 100-yard game and kept many drives alive with his hard-nosed running.

“I think being comfortable is what it’s all about,” Settle said. “Offensive line blocked great, as well as receivers. Running backs job to find right holes and make the most of it, that’s what happened.”

The defense of NIU once again played tough, although it gave up much more yardage than in its first game.

The Huskies played tough in the red zone once again, despite giving up their first red zone touchdown of the season.

“We’ve been stingy in the red zone this year,” Doeren said. “We worked a lot in the off-season on different schemes and ways to play tighter. To me, that’s what it’s all about: keep touchdowns off the board. Says a lot about your mental toughness as a team, score touchdowns and not give up touchdowns in the red zone.”

The Huskies were led defensively by junior safety Jimmie Ward, who had ten tackles, two pass breakups and his first interception of the season with an 18-yard return.

“Every day, the coaches were on us about getting a turnover and to make a big play.” Ward said.

The Huskies were able to get three takeaways in the game, with two fumble recoveries and Ward’s interception.

Not only were the statistics impressive, but the Tennessee-Martin head coach, Jason Simpson, took notice of the physical style of play that NIU featured.

“We’re leaving here a little banged up,” Simpson said. “The linebackers and safeties for NIU come down hill, rock ’em, sock ’em.”

NIU capitalized on three of five red zone opportunities and were able to march down the field at will, which was highlighted in the second quarter with their two touchdown effort, including a five second drive consisting of one 31 yard pass play from Lynch to senior receiver Martel Moore.

“[I’m] happy with the victory; it’s good to extend the home winning streak to 16,” Doeren said. “Guys played hard, overcoming [a] tough loss last week. [To] come out today and to play as clean as we did, [I’m] glad with the balance we had. Nice job taking care of the football. Could have had more pressure on the quarterback, but they did a good job with their schemes. Our guys battled. Any time you hold a team like that to seven points says a lot.”