Something had to give.

NIU had won nine of its last ten homecoming games. Toledo had won its last six games at Huskie Stadium the last time the Rockets lost in DeKalb the Berlin Wall was being torn down.

But, for the first time in 19 seasons the Huskies defeated the Rockets 38-7 at home.

NIU (4-3 overall, 3-1 MAC) started the attack early. The Huskies opened the game with a 14 play, 67 yards drive. The first offensive series ended with a 12 yard touchdown run by running back Chad Spann. The sophomore led the Huskies, rushing for 82 yards on 15 attempts and scoring two touchdowns in the win.

“We just kind of go with whos hot right now,” said Spann about his performance. “It felt great to get into the end zone.”

Toledo (2-5, 1-2) struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, as it produced only 37 yards of offense. However, the Rockets blasted off in the second quarter, marching 49 yards down field in five plays. Wide receiver Nick Moore joined the Toledo offense in the second quarter. The senior sat out the first quarter, as he was left out of the starting line up due to an arrest in Toledo last weekend from a fight.

However, the Rockets couldnt finish the drive and had to settle for a 47-yard field goal attempt, which they missed. Toledo wouldnt score until its first drive of the third quarter when running back Morgan Williams ran 21 yards to the end zone. It was the only points the Rockets put on the board for the day.

“As a coach youre working on execution during the week,” said Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz. “We didnt get the job done.”

Toledo struggled especially in its final three offensive series. In these drives the Rockets turned the ball over all three times. Two of these turnovers were due to fumbles, which defensive end Larry English and free safety Spence Williamson caused. Both of these fumbles were recovered by defensive end Jake Coffman.

“Im definitely happy to come up with the big play,” English said. “It was fun.”

Toledos final turnover came on an interception of back up quarterback Alex Pettee by NIU linebacker Pat Schiller.

The Huskies sang a different tune, however, as they never gave the Rockets a free set of downs. Instead, NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish competed 12-of-16 passes for 173 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

“We saw it all week in practice,” said Toledo free safety Tyrrell Herbet of NIUs offense. “We just didnt execute like we should have.”

Two execution problems for Toledo came from NIU wide receiver Marcus Perez.The senior caught three passes for 68 yards and scored twice.

“Coach [Kill] really worked on me this week,” Perez said. Its just a vertical route. “Just run, speed kills.”

NIU did lose another player, starting fullback Kyle Skarb, due to injury during the game. The Huskies were without starting cornerback Bradley Pruitt and linebackers Cory Hanson and John Tranchitella to begin the afternoon. NIU linebacker Tim McCarthy also saw limited action due to a shoulder injury. Kill was surprised how his team has improved each week, even with these injuries to key players.

“It’s kind of an amazing deal – three linebackers and a starting corner [out],” Kill said. “You’ve got to give the credit to the kids. I dont know what to tell you. Its amazing.”