Say what you want about the defensive effort of NIU against Army, there is one factor that cannot be questioned from that game: effort.

The Huskies were able to face adversity on several different levels in their contest with the Black Knights and overcome, if just by the skin of their teeth.

In an enthralling back-and-forth game that saw NIU score five touchdowns in just 17 minutes of possession, its defense was on the field for 43 minutes.

This statistic alone is a giant form of adversity. That meant gassed players, sore knees and a menagerie of substitutions all around.

NIU was also able to overcome three turnovers, including a play that was seemingly a touchdown by junior quarterback Jordan Lynch. The play was ruled a fumble, reviewed, and still ultimately ruled a fumble.

Whether that was the correct call or not–it wasn’t–the Huskies were still able to push past that factor and rally for enough points to win.

There were moments that could have propelled Army to victory, such as converting their missed point after attempt. On the opposite side of that coin, NIU was able to fend off two separate two point conversion attempts to keep Army at a deficit.

NIU knew what Army was going to run, and Army ran it. They ran their scheme for 486 yards on the ground.

This could be viewed as poor execution by the Huskies. Head coach Dave Doeren cited Army using a slightly different backing scheme to shake things up and force adjustments.

Whatever the case, the defense looked poor and exhausted through much of the game. What they deserve credit for, however, is having no memory of past quarters. They came up big in key situations, like in the fourth quarter, following NIU’s touchdown drive, when they were able to force Army into a turn over on downs.

However, the style of play that the Huskies were up against was a great thing to open their eyes. NIU has been lights out in the red zone through the first two games, but Army was a perfect 4-4 in the red zone, converting all chances into touchdowns.

That’s a form of adversity, as it’s not something that the defense is used to. If you just look at the offensive statistics of Army, the time of possession and the turnovers, NIU would be a clear favorite to be the loser on paper.

Through an explosive offensive showing and a few timely defensive stands, the Huskies pulled out a victory that, at the end of the day, is a win no matter the point differential.

Whether you view this as a game they nearly blew the chance of winning, or held on for a great victory, one thing is for sure: It was an eye-opening team building effort.