DeKALB | From 1969 to 1999, NIU put together seven winning seasons as a Division I-A program.

NIU posted its seventh consecutive winning season under coach Joe Novak by beating Eastern Michigan 27-0.

The shutout showcased an improved Huskie defense that contained the Eagles (1-11 overall, 1-7 MAC) to seven first downs and 112 total yards of offense.

“The main thing is our confidence,” NIU defensive tackle Craig Rusch said. “We’re coming together as one.”

The last time the Huskies (7-5, 5-3) held an opponent scoreless was in 2002 against Central Michigan.

But the defense couldn’t steal the spotlight from NIU running back Garrett Wolfe.

Wolfe rushed for 164 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, but didn’t play a snap in the fourth quarter.

For the season, the senior rushed for 1,900 yards, 15 yards shy of former NIU running back Michael Turner’s record for a single season in the MAC.

With Friday’s game, Wolfe passed former Memphis player DeAngelo Williams for the NCAA record of career yards per carry from 6.22 to 6.53.

Wolfe also ranks as the No. 11 all-time rusher; 41 yards shy of tying No. 10 Archie Griffin.

Yet, the ground wasn’t the only means of attack for the Huskies. NIU quarterback Dan Nicholson completed 24-37 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns and NIU wide receiver Britt Davis posted his third 100-yard game of the season.

“It was important for us to come out and start the way we did,” Nicholson said. “It really gave us confidence.”