Dictionary.com defines beating as “to strike violently or forcefully and repeatedly.”

This weekend, NIU football suffered a beating as Toledo won 70-21 against the Huskies.

The Rockets (4-5 overall, 2-3 MAC) scored 21 points in every quarter but the fourth. It was then that NIU was able to limit Toledo, as it was held to seven points in the final period.

In total, the Rocket offense blasted out 812 total yards of offense – a conference record. The offensive explosion is also the highest total in the NCAA this season.
The game marked NIU’s worst defeat since a 73-7 loss to Kansas State on Sept. 12, 1998. It also marked the most points ever scored against the Huskies in a MAC game.

Toledo quarterback Aaron Opelt completed 22-28 for 387 yards and four touchdowns. The Rockets also had two running backs that passed the 100-rushing-yard mark.

Running back DaJuane Collins led the Rockets with 132 yards. Close behind was senior running back Jalen Parmele with 106 yards. The pair each recorded a touchdown.

However, it was Toledo running back Gordon Warner who provided most of the damage on the ground. The freshman rushed for only 56 yards, but had three touchdowns.

“Football is a funny game,” Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz said. “It’s just one of those things. We got a little momentum and caught fire.”

That little momentum started from Toledo’s first possession. The Rockets marched down 80 yards in 2 minutes and 17 seconds to score their first touchdown. The drive only took five plays.

Toledo scored a touchdown on every possession except four. The Rockets lost these possessions by two fumbles and one punt as time expired in the fourth quarter.

NIU (1-8, 0-5) was unable to capitalize on any of the Toledo fumbles. The Huskies did score three touchdowns, one via the air and two on the ground.

Quarterback Dan Nicholson did start the game, and completed 11-23 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. The junior also threw one pick in the loss.

The Huskies totaled 182 yards on the ground, with 116 of those coming from running back Justin Anderson. The redshirt sophomore also had a touchdown, as did backup running back David Bryant.

However, NIU allowed three turnovers in the loss. Along with Nicholson’s interception, the Huskies fumbled the ball twice. Toledo was able to take advantage of the mistakes, as the team scored 14 points on the three turnovers.

“We have been struggling the last few weeks,” NIU head coach Joe Novak said. “Their kids are real good players.”

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