First half by the numbers: CMU 14, NIU 7
Sophomore running back Devon Spalding carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against Northern Illinois University in Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Oct. 3, 2015.
Central Michigan football is in the midst of a defensive battle with Northern Illinois at halftime, but leads 14-7.
Junior fullback Trevor Thomas scored the first points of the game on an 11-yard touchdown reception from senior quarterback Cooper Rush. It was Thomas' first reception of the season and second career touchdown.
The Huskies answered on their next drive with a six-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 17-yard touchdown pass. Junior cornerback Amari Coleman appeared to have intercepted the pass in the end zone, but the NIU receiver, Christia Blake, ripped the ball away for the score.
Senior running back Jahray Hayes scored on a three-yard run with less than one minute remaining in the first half to give CMU the 14-7 lead.
Penalties have hurt the Chippewas' offense throughout the first half. The offensive line has been penalized four times for 50 yards.
Football heads to NIU for pivotal MAC west matchup
It’s been a down year for Northern Illinois so far, but that doesn’t change the Central Michigan football team’s take on the Huskies.
The Huskies have been able to sack Rush two times in the first half. Rush has been sacked 15 times in the last three games. CMU has allowed 25 sacks this season — three shy of last season's total.
By the Numbers
Passing Yards: CMU 125, NIU 47
Rushing Yards: CMU 69, NIU 74
First Downs: CMU 12, NIU 7
Turnovers: CMU 1, NIU 1
Penalties: CMU 4 for 50 total yards, NIU 1 for 12 yards
