Halftime report: NIU 21, Bowling Green 13

DeKALB — The NIU football team took a 21-13 lead into the break against Bowling Green, behind 162 rushing yards and a 100-yard kickoff return by Trayvon Rudolph.

Key stat: It wasn’t just the 28 rushing attempts for the Huskies. NIU only attempted two passes

Key play: Rocky Lombardi was stopped short on a third and goal run fro, the 2, losing a yard. NIU also held on the play, which BG declined. But the Huskies went for it, and Lombardi got the 3 yards he needed for NIU’s first score, tying the game at 7-7 with 13:13 left in the second quarter.

Key to the second half: Starting running back Antraio Brown was hurt early in the game on a play in which he fumbled, leading to Bowling Green’s only fumble. But Jay Ducker has been strong in relief, already at 102 yards. Mason Blakemore also had his first college carry, going 17 yards for NIU’s second touchdown. The Falcon pass defense is tough, and the Huskies didn’t have to test them yet. It’ll be a good sign if they don’t in the second half either.