Here are a few thoughts I have about Northern Illinois University's 37-31 loss to Central Michigan University on Halloween night.
1.) I detest the contract with ESPN that has the Mid-American Conference playing football games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in November. College football should be played on Saturdays, in my opinion. The mid-week games are terrible for tradition, are bad for attendance and erode the fan base. I hope the MAC will not renew the contract with ESPN, but I fear money will talk and the mid-week games will continue, much to my disappointment.
2.) With the loss, NIU fell to 4-5 overall, 3-2 in the MAC, and appears to be looking at another mediocre season under head coach Thomas Hammock. For the record, CMU moved to 5-4 overall, 3-2 in the MAC.
3.) While CMU dominated the first half, NIU played a good second half. Here's a look at some key stats:
Total yards of offense - NIU posted 506 yards, while CMU tallied 447
Time of possession - NIU: 29:48, CMU: 30:47
Fourth downs NIU: 2-4, CMU: 0-0
Rushing yards - NIU: 208, CMU: 331
3rd downs - NIU: 0-10, CMU: 4-12
4.) NIU continues to struggle on offense in the first half, which is a consistent weakness for the Huskies, not only this season, but during the 2022 campaign, too. During Tuesday's game, NIU scored a field goal in the first quarter and came up empty in the second quarter, while CMU posted 7 points in the 1st quarter and 17 in the 2nd quarter.
The Huskies offense mounted a vigorous comeback in the second half, posting 14 points in the 3rd quarter to CMU's 13, and NIU scored another 14 points in the 4th quarter, but a Chippewa interception late in the game ended NIU's comeback bid.
I've followed the Huskies for more than 40 years. I've known several coaches, players and have been personal friends with more than a few of the reporters who covered the team over the years. I know NIU is capable of being a conference champion, and it's difficult to see where things stand today.
-- Thank you for reading. Your comments and questions are always welcome.
