True Freshmen Spark NIU’s Fast Start Before Loss to Miami

UPDATE: In a dramatic turnaround, true freshmen Brady Davidson and Lazaro Rogers propelled the NIU Huskies to a strong start before the offense crumbled, leading to a 25-14 defeat against Miami (Ohio) on October 7, 2023. This loss marks the Huskies’ fourth consecutive defeat and spoils their homecoming festivities.

NIU (1-4 overall, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) surged ahead with a quick two-touchdown lead thanks to standout plays from Davidson and Rogers. Rogers electrified the crowd with a stunning 76-yard touchdown run on the Huskies’ very first play, setting the tone for an impressive opening. Davidson followed suit, completing a flawless 11-play, 60-yard drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jake Appleget, putting NIU up 14-0 with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

However, the offensive momentum quickly faltered. After accumulating 136 yards in their first two drives, the Huskies managed only 84 yards for the remainder of the game. Davidson, who started at quarterback, struggled after his initial success, completing just 6 of 20 passes for 46 yards and throwing an interception while losing a fumble that led to a safety.

“The biggest thing this week was to take what they give us,” said Davidson. “We have to be able to keep working and getting back to that mentality.”

NIU’s struggles continued as Miami rallied back, taking advantage of the Huskies’ mistakes. After cutting the lead to 14-13, a crucial sack by Adam Trick caused a fumble, allowing Miami to recover at the NIU 9-yard line. This set up a blocked punt that resulted in a safety, swinging the momentum in Miami’s favor. The ensuing touchdown drive from Miami marked a pivotal moment in the game, showcasing a nine-point swing that ultimately sealed NIU’s fate.

Despite the promising start, this game highlighted ongoing offensive issues for the Huskies. They have yet to score more than 14 points against an FBS opponent this season. Head Coach Thomas Hammock acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “There were some positive plays, but we have to be able to reset from there and put drives together.”

Rogers, who finished with 98 rushing yards on 9 carries, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t overcome the team’s overall struggles. As the Huskies continue to face challenges in their scoring, they remain at the bottom of the conference in offensive production.

Defensively, NIU’s unit allowed 367 yards and struggled to contain Miami’s offense, which dominated possession with nearly 40 minutes on the field. Senior linebacker Quinn Urwiler had a standout performance with 14 tackles, but echoed the sentiment of frustration expressed by his teammates, saying, “I would rather get zero tackles and win than have 14 in a loss.”

With Miami claiming the Mallory Cup for the fifth consecutive time, the Huskies face a critical juncture in their season as they prepare for upcoming challenges. Fans will be watching closely to see if NIU can regroup and find their rhythm heading into the next game.

As the team shifts focus, the urgency to improve is palpable. Will NIU break their scoring drought, or will the struggles continue? Stay tuned for further developments as they navigate this pivotal moment in their season.