Free fall: CMU loses fifth consecutive game, drops to 1-4 in MAC

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DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois running back Chad Spann accounted for three rushing touchdowns in the second half as Central Michigan fell to the Huskies 33-7 Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill.

Spann, who was held to just 45 yards in the first half, finished with 101 yards in what was his fifth 100-yard rushing performance of the season. His three touchdowns give him 11 on the year.

CMU was only down 9-7 at halftime but allowed 165 rushing yards in the third quarter, giving the Huskies a big scoring advantage.

“There wasn’t a whole lot that hurt us in the first half but it is just a matter of guys missing tackles,” said senior linebacker Nick Bellore. “Guys are just not making plays and that is the story of our season and that’s why we are 2-6.

Sophomore quarterback Ryan Radcliff struggled throughout the game, throwing three interceptions before being benched for junior Brandon Fricke in the fourth quarter. Fricke came in to replace Radcliff and could not do much more, throwing an interception of his own late in the game.

Senior linebacker Nick Bellore attempts to tackle Northern Illinois fullback Kyle Skarb Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. The Huskies beat the Chippewas 33-7. (Leah Sefton/Staff Photographer)

With running back Paris Cotton out because of injury, senior Carl Volny got his first start of the season and rushed for 74 yards. Freshman Zurlon Tipton added 31 yards on the ground.

“Our mentality was to run the ball and it worked in the first half and I just thought when we came out in the second half we didn’t execute,” Volny said. “We are trying to be a balanced offense. We have got to just connect as a whole offensive group.”

The defense held the Huskies to three field goals in the first half, seemingly keeping the Chippewas within striking range. The offense was unable to get things going as five turnovers kept them out of the end zone.

CMU’s lone touchdown came in the second quarter when Radcliff hooked up with senior receiver Kito Poblah for an 11-yard touchdown that gave the Chippewas a 7-3 lead.

NIU (6-2, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) came out in the second half and executed on almost every play in the third quarter. Junior running back Cameron Bell came into the game for the Huskies and busted a 30-yard run, setting up Spann’s first touchdown of the game.

Bell did it again two minutes later, rushing for a 21-yard gain and setting up Spann again for his second score of the game, putting the Huskies up 23-7 to end the third quarter.

The Chippewas could not come back from the deficit, dropping its fifth consecutive game. They are now 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the Mid-American Conference.

“It’s time to buck up and everybody in the room is involved in the loss,” said head coach Dan Enos. “We have got to find the answer and keep searching for it.”