As Mid-American Conference teams turn the page from their non-conference schedules toward the beginning of the conference campaign, coaches weighed in during the weekly Monday morning teleconference.
Huskies survive home scare
Perhaps the most exciting game throughout the MAC during week four was Northern Illinois’ first home game of the year, hosting Eastern Illinois.
The Huskies trailed 20-0 midway through the first quarter, but rallied for a comeback 43-39 victory, improving to 3-0 on the season.
“It kept the fans in their seats and it was a great atmosphere,” said Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey. “The book hasn’t been written on this year’s team.”
Carey can thank senior quarterback Jordan Lynch for leading the Huskies to their 22nd consecutive home win, as he compiled 235 passing yards and a touchdown to go along with 189 rushing yards.
Junior running back Cameron Stingily had a career-best performance, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
On a side note, Eastern Illinois senior quarterback Jimmy Garappolo finished the contest 34-of-49 for 450 yards and six touchdowns.
Rockets top Chippewas
Toledo sophomore wide receiver Alonzo Russell made his way into the SportsCenter ‘Top 10 Plays” this weekend after a breathtaking one-hand grab against Central Michigan to lead the Rockets to a 38-17 victory.
Senior running back David Fluellen blasted through the Central Michigan defense, racking up 197 yards and two touchdowns on his 32 carries. This was the third consecutive game he has rushed for at least 100 yards.
Falcons top Zips
The most-anticipated matchup for the coming weekend will be a clash between Bowling Green and Akron in a MAC East battle.
The Zips currently possess a 1-3 record, but Bowling Green coach Dave Clawson said that Akron should not be taken lightly.
“Akron is going to win. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when,” Clawson said.
So far this season, Akron has faced an undefeated Central Florida squad, No. 18 Michigan at the ‘Big House,’ and an impressive Louisiana-Lafayette team.
Bowling Green has been explosive on the offensive side of the ball, gaining 660 yards last Saturday in a 48-7 win against Murray State.
During the game, the Falcons had a stretch of five consecutive drives that resulted in touchdowns.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Matt Johnson was named the MAC offensive player of the week for the second time this month, after finishing 19-of-22 for 244 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The game will kick-off Saturday in Bowling Green at 2:30 p.m.
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