Oct. 19--There was a lot to like as Northern Illinois won its second straight game and first on the road, pouncing on Miami of Ohio for 21 first-quarter points en route to a 45-12 win. The Huskies return home Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
Offense
A. Tommylee Lewis scored his first touchdown since 2013 on a 32-yard pass from Drew Hare, and Joel Bouagnon rushed for a pair of scores, including a career-long 53-yarder, as the Huskies piled up 514 total yards.
Defense
B+. A much-improved defense allowed just 309 yards and one touchdown while collecting four sacks. Sophomore LB Bobby Jones had a team-high 13 tackles in his first career start. CB Shawun Lurry had his seventh interception, one ahead of Iowa's Desmond King for the national lead.
Special teams
B. Christian Hagan was 1-for-2 on field goals, with a 46-yarder blocked in the fourth quarter. He averaged 60.8 yards on nine kickoffs and added six extra points.
Coaching
B+. A brisk pace on offense produced three quick scores, and the coaches had the defense well-prepared, keeping the RedHawks out of the end zone until the fourth quarter despite a lopsided Miami possession advantage.
