Dec. 06--Northern Illinois' bid for its fourth Mid-American Conference title in five years slipped away by halftime Friday night as Matt Johnson set a pair of single-season MAC passing records in Bowling Green's 34-14 victory at Ford Field.
The Huskies offense couldn't find any rhythm in freshman quarterback Tommy Fiedler's first career start. They trailed 21-0 at halftime, and the deficit grew to 28-0 early in the third quarter.
NIU (8-5) showed signs of life in the second half, scoring twice in a little more than three minutes on a 32-yard touchdown reception by Desroy Maxwell and a 64-yard pick-six by Shawun Lurry to cut it to 28-14.
But Bowling Green (10-3) didn't flinch, responding with a 12-play, 83-yard touchdown drive and recording two interceptions in the final 10 minutes to secure a second conference title in three years.
Offense
D. Fiedler's first start was forgettable as the Huskies offense was stagnant and unable to sustain long drives. The running game never kicked into gear as Bowling Green stacked the box and bottled up Joel Bouagnon (57 yards on 14 carries). NIU struggled to convert on third down (2 of 13), had five three-and-outs and committed five turnovers (two fumbles, three interceptions), two inside the Bowling Green 25.
Defense
C. The Huskies intercepted the nation's leading passer twice and came up with back-to-back red-zone stops early in the first half to keep it a one-score game, but the rushing tandem of Travis Greene (183 yards, 2 TDs) and Fred Coppet (85 yards, TD) eventually wore them down. NIU surrendered its second-most points (34), rushing yards (266) and total yards (501) this season.
Special teams
C. MAC Special Teams Player of the Year Aregeros Turner (3 kickoff returns, 61 yards) couldn't find any room to break off a momentum-swinging play. The highlight was Marlon Moore's blocked extra-point attempt; the lowlight was an offside penalty on NIU's onside kick after its first score.
Coaching
D. Whatever the game plan was, it didn't pan out and was abandoned by the second half. NIU was aggressive early, leaving the offense on the field on fourth-and-1 at the Bowling Green 12. The decision backfired -- as did three other fourth-down gambles -- as the Huskies fumbled and turned the ball over on downs. NIU failed to come away with any points on its two red-zone trips.
James Hawkins is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
