More Top Picks Water Kettle
player ready...For the second straight game the Huskies shook off a lethargic start and eventually wore down visiting Murray State in a 57-26 victory Saturday. NIU has averaged 47.5 points through two games, ranking 14th nationally.
Offense
A-. Northern Illinois has scored 95 points and is ranked seventh this week in total offense (594 yards per game). Quarterback Drew Hare and Co. are ranked ninth with a 374.5 passing yards per game. Hare had a career-high four touchdown passes.
Defense
B-. The opportunistic defense intercepted Murray State quarterback KD Humphries three times, including Paris Logan’s end-zone pick. The defense also held Murray State to 118 rushing yards.
Special teams
B-. Kicker Christian Hagan missed a PAT in the first quarter (the first of his career) and had another blocked, but he did kick a 43-yard field goal and added five extra points. Josh Orne averaged 55.7 yards on 10 kickoffs.
Coaching
B+. Coach Rod Carey didn’t get the fast start he wanted and promised the Huskies would work in practice on moving the ball better early.