DeKALB | Tony West has traveled far and wide, but returned to where his life began — with his father.

Averaging 140.3 rushing yards per game this season, West is carrying the load on Indiana State’s offense, an offense under the control of Lou West — Tony’s coach and father.

The elder West spent the last four seasons as defensive coordinator for Toledo before becoming head coach at Indiana State.

During that time, his son went from Western Kentucky to the University of Findlay before coming to Indiana State to spend his last two seasons of college ball under his father.

“They’ve got a good spread offense,” said NIU middle linebacker Tim McCarthy, who will miss Saturday’s game with a sprained right shoulder. “But we’ve got to contain their running back and stop the run.”

In three games West has scored five touchdowns on the ground and one through the air.

The Huskies will receive help to stop Indiana State’s rushing attack with the return of sophomore defensive lineman Craig Rusch and junior tackle Zack Holycross.

“Everyone that’s been in at defensive tackle has done a great job,” McCarthy said. “It’s just a numbers game. A few more guys in there will help keep the rotation fresh.”

But the loss of McCarthy means NIU has lost its leading tackler just one week after senior cornerback Alvah Hansbro was lost for the season with a torn tendon in his bicep.

However, sophomore defensive end Larry English believes the defense is growing up and it’s up to them to step up for the rest of the season.

But first, the Huskies have to stop the 5-foot-9, 175-pound West and an Indiana State team looking to get its first win after beginning the season 0-3.

And don’t forget, NIU will have the chance to counter with its own running back in senior Garrett Wolfe.

Sean Connor is an NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.