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DEKALB, Illinois — Ohio (5-2, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) fell to Northern Illinois (3-4, 2-1 MAC) 23-13 in Huskie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

"They just played better today and out executed this us for four quarters. We've got to clean up some things with the penalties," head coach Tim Albin said. "It's been a thing in the last couple of weeks and it can be fixed."  

It took awhile for Ohio's defense to wake up on Saturday. Northern Illinois put pressure on Ohio the minute the whistle blew, and Ohio was unable to keep up. With eight minutes to go in the first quarter, redshirt junior Gavin Williams (Altoona, Iowa) rushed down the field for a 53-yard touchdown. It was the first time Ohio gave up a touchdown in the first quarter all season. 

Despite the conditions, the Bobcats used their passing game. Graduate student quarterback Kurtis Rourke (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) ended the afternoon with 159 passing yards. He broke 1,000 passing yards on the season during the second quarter on a 5-yard pass to redshirt senior tight end Tyler Foster (Pickerington, Ohio). 

However, it was not Ohio's passing that put it on the board. Ohio earned the majority of its scoring on field goals by freshman kicker Gianni Spetic (Chardon, Ohio). Spetic went 2-for-2 in field goals and 1-for-1 on PATs. Ohio's lone touchdown in the first half came on a 1-yard rush from Rourke.

The Bobcats' running game stalled in the second half, though. 

"I think just offensively, really the lack of a consistent running game (made a difference). It's kind of been creeping in there," Albin said. "It is what it is, and we've got to find a way to get some consistency in the running game. That's going to help Kurtis. It's going to help the play action passes. That's really probably the biggest concern that we have right now.

Another Bobcat hit a milestone on Saturdat as well. Graduate student wide receiver Sam Wiglusz (Brecksville, Ohio)  recorded his 100th reception as a Bobcat on a 9-yard pass in the second quarter. 

The Huskies were alive in the third quarter. Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (Clive, Iowa) connected with junior wide receiver Grayson Barnes (Rocklin, Calif.) for a 58-yard touchdown three minutes into the third. The Huskies scored again with under three minutes left in the quarter on a field goal by redshirt sophomore kicker Kanon Woodill (Plainfield, Ill.) 

Ohio couldn't find its charge in the fourth quarter. It fell too far behind after Northern Illinois tacked on two more field goals. 

The Bobcats aren't worried about the loss, though. They understand that it will help them learn for their next opponent.

"It's a lot about destination. The staff is going to continue to work hard and find ways to keep the expectation piece and keep it focused on the guys and today in the process and how we're doing today and enjoy the day and getting better today," Albin said. "It's challenging, with again, the expectations but our guys handled it well. I know the staff is going to come to work tomorrow and challenge these guys, and I know they'll respond."  

Ohio will return to the field on Oct. 21 against Western Michigan on Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET. 

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