The Huskies are back, though some will tell you that they never left.

The only thing they did different last weekend was win. LeShon Johnson again rushed for more than 100 yards, Scott Crabtree again threw for less than 100 yards to go along with multiple interceptions, and the defense shut out the opponent for two quarters. Textbook procedure on the part of NIU. Yet it’s been a while since the real NIU football team has shown up—Oct. 10 to be exact.

On Nov. 7, almost a month later, NIU got its first victory over a Division I-A team since Southern Mississippi.

The special teams definitely woke up. A George Anthony blocked punt, a 52-yard Chad Smith punt return and three Brian Steger field goals gave the Huskies the boost they needed for their fifth victory of the season.

“The difference in the game was special teams,” said NIU head coach Charlie Sadler. “We blocked a punt, turned the field position around, and Steger’s kicking gave us scoring when we had the opportunity to put points on the board.”

LeShon Johnson’s 152 yards on 31 carries has run his season total to 1,194 yards. Saturday’s performance against Southwestern Louisiana places him at No. 17 on the NIU career rushers list and No. 6 on the season rushers list.

“I thought we had some angles on him, to do the job, but he’s just such a good back that he made good out of very little,” said USL head coach Nelson Stokley.

“The running game was very simple,” said Sadler. “It was a basic off-tackle play we were using. We give it to Johnson and our line did an excellent job of giving him a little space. He does the rest.”

The defense managed to hold the Ragin‘ Cajuns to 250 yards of total offense, while forcing one turnover. Jeff Taylor and Tony Smith led the way with six solo tackles and a total of nine tackles apiece. Chad Smith was close behind with six tackles (four solo tackles).

“This was our best defensive effort in the time I’ve been at Northern,” said Sadler.

“Every time we had a chance to do something,” said Stokley, “they shut us off.”

“We played a very talented USL team, and both teams played hard,” said Sadler. “I’m obviously very pleased with the victory.”