Perhaps the forum for Phil Horvath’s first appearance in a collegiate game was a bit overwhelming.

In front of a crowd of 51,830, Horvath was called upon to fill in for Josh Haldi, who was pulled from the game after the Huskies first offensive drive.

NIU’s first series ended with the third-year starter hobbling off the field in frustration.

Haldi had been checked out by doctors last week for a stress fracture in his foot – a result of a strain from the summer.

For the rest of the game, Haldi sat on the sidelines with his foot in a cam-walker, but was the first to congratulate his understudy after he threw a touchdown pass to Garrett Wolfe in the third quarter.

“It’s tough not to be out there,” Haldi said, “but [Horvath] played well and didn’t miss a beat.”

Horvath showed some first-half jitters, throwing two costly interceptions.

“We hadn’t really done too much with him,” running back A.J. Harris said, “so right away it was hard to get used to him. But as the game went on, things started clicking.”

In the second half, Horvath clicked for 132 yards while throwing 12-for-20 in NIU’s attempt at a comeback.

“How about that kid?” coach Joe Novak said. “He made some mistakes early on, but he did some darn good things to help this team tonight. He stepped into a tough spot and did some nice things. Those kids were looking at him and he made some nice plays. This isn’t an easy place to play.”

Maryland quarterback Joel Statham played in six games last season behind the Terrapins top passer Scott McBrien, who now plays for the Green Bay Packers.

Statham made several mistakes as well, being a part of two fumbles, resulting in Huskie points, and throwing an interception.

Horvath had 219 passing yards on the night, compared to Statham’s 169.

“We didn’t know anything about him,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgenm said, “Obviously, coach Novak had a lot of confidence in him. I think he played as good as the other guy would have.”

With Haldi’s foot in question, Horvath may see more playing time. The Naperville native said he’ll prepare to start, just like he always does.