After being 34-point underdogs heading into Saturday’s game against Ohio State, football (2-1, 0-0 MAC) lost to the Buckeyes 20-13. In the first quarter, NIU struck first after junior OSU quarterback Cardale Jones threw an interception to sophomore cornerback Shawun Lurry, leading to a touchdown run by junior wide receiver Aregeros Turner. Later in the first half, Jones threw a second interception to Lurry, leading to him being benched for the remainder of the game for sophomore quarterback J.T. Barrett. Barrett threw a touchdown upon his arrival, a 23-yard throw to junior receiver Michael Thomas. Heading into halftime, the score was tied at 10-10 as neither team was able to take control of the game. Ohio State began taking over the game in the second half, keeping the Huskies scoreless in the third quarter. The Buckeyes scored a field goal and a touchdown, bringing the score to 20-10 in a game that looked to be getting away from NIU. Though the Buckeyes’ offense failed to put up a second-half touchdown, they scored on an interception return by sophomore linebacker Darron Lee. The offense put up only 13 points throughout the contest, and went two-for-13 on third downs. In the final quarter, NIU put up its second field goal of the game, shortening OSU’s lead to 20-13…
Continue Reading: Football nearly upsets No. 1 Ohio St.
