NIU’s defense knows all about the Kent State offense.

In last season’s 44-34 win over the Huskies, KSU rolled up 503 total yards of offense under the direction of then freshman quarterback Josh Cribbs.

Going into Saturday’s conference opener, the Huskies made Cribbs the main target of the defense and successfully slowed down the MAC’s fourth-rated offense.

The Huskies’ 13-6 win over the Golden Flashes marked the first time all season the Huskies have kept their opponent out of the end zone.

“I thought our defense played outstanding,” NIU coach Joe Novak said. “No touchdowns; two field goals; just played outstanding.”

Entering the game, Cribbs had rushed for 618 yards on only 67 attempts for a 9.2 yards per carry average in four games.

Against NIU, Cribbs rushed 13 times for 81 yards and a 6.2 yard average. The 81 yards marked the sophomore’s lowest output of the season.

Novak credited overall play by the defense and a simple scheme as reasons for stopping Cribbs and the Golden Flashes offense.

“We kept it real simple,” Novak said. “We’ve been doing a lot of stunting and blitzing. We kept it much more base, much more simple. We zeroed in on everyone doing things properly and those kids executed very well.”

NIU held Cribbs to 47 yards in the first three quarters with 31 of those yards coming on one run.

Cribbs was able to break loose a couple times in the fourth quarter but the Huskies defense focused on keeping Cribbs from breaking a big play.

“I think we went out today and made good plays,” linebacker Nick Duffy said. “We set out to make good tackles, secure tackles. Almost capture him.”

NIU also had their hand full with the other KSU running backs.

Eddie Beccles ran for 108 yards on 16 carries, but had 68 of those yards on one carry.

Last season when the two teams met, David Alston ran for 144 yards. On Saturday, Alston gained only 28 yards as NIU held KSU 20 yards under their season average.