Nov. 26--Visiting Ohio seized an early lead Tuesday, and usually opportunistic Northern Illinois never could catch up, missing a chance to clinch the Mid-American Conference West title outright with a 26-21 loss. The Huskies must now rely on Western Michigan to beat Toledo on Friday for them to advance to next week's MAC championship game.
Offense
C-. The Bobcats held the Huskies to 73 net rushing yards, their second-fewest of the season. NIU converted just 4 of 17 third downs and lost QB Ryan Graham to a third-quarter injury. But backup Tommy Fiedler -- a walk-on true freshman -- was a revelation, going 9-for-17 for 113 yards and a TD pass. WR Kenny Golladay had two touchdown catches.
Defense
B-. The Huskies had difficulty slowing RB A.J. Ouellette (30 carries for 140 yards), and the Bobcats had an 11-minute advantage in possession time. NIU did force Ohio to settle for field goals when four drives stalled, and LB Sean Folliard tied a career high with 10 tackles, including eight solos.
Special teams
C. The Huskies blocked a field goal for the first time since Nov. 26, 2003, when Ben Compton knocked down a 48-yard try, his second kick block of the season. But an NIU fumble on a second-quarter punt return led to a field goal that put Ohio up to stay.
Coaching
C. Third-down play calling was largely unsuccessful as the Huskies had to punt nine times. "Unfortunately we didn't execute well enough at times," coach Rod Carey said. But defensive adjustments after Ohio's 20-point first half limited the Bobcats to two field goals the rest of the way.
