Looking at the stat sheet, it was the same old story Saturday against Kent State: Three turnovers, which led to 14 of the Golden Flashes’ 20 points.

But unlike the previous outcomes, NIU was able to overcome those mistakes, chiefly because of the balanced air and ground attack, and also, a little luck.

“I thought we threw it well,” NIU head coach Joe Novak said. “I hate to look at negatives, but we had three turnovers, a missed field goal and a botched field goal in that first half.

“With all due respect, we should have had a nice lead at half. That was the difference. We’ve had that situation this year and lost it, but this time, responded and got it done.”

Before getting his bell rung and leaving the game four Huskie possessions into the second half, Dan Nicholson looked like the promising quarterback who entered the field two years ago against Toledo. Besides two interceptions, one because of a deflection, Nicholson was sharp, going 21-of-28 for 275 yards and two touchdowns.

A sense that NIU was going to snap its five-game skid came in the first quarter, when Nicholson threw a 16-yard, precision touchdown pass on third-and-14 that was placed where only the NIU receiver could catch it.

“I actually lined up on the wrong side,” said Justin Anderson, the recipient of the touchdown throw. “I forgot the play and asked Dan if I was on the right spot. He said, ‘Yes.’ I ran the route and he threw a perfect pass.”

Not only was the passing game solid, but Anderson and David Bryant combined for 208 rushing yards. With Anderson feeling a little banged-up, Bryant, the only other healthy running back on the team, stepped up and took the bulk of the carries and rushed for 110 yards, helping the Huskies sustain several second-half drives.

“It’s just me and Justin,” Bryant said. “It was a good feeling to get out there, and the offensive line did a great job.”