It was just last week when NIU had an extra point blocked and a field goal blocked en route to a 20-19 loss to Toledo.

Its special teams play wasn’t very special.

But on Saturday, the Huskies blocked an extra point and a field goal along with a punt return for a touchdown to get a much needed 27-22 road win over Miami (Ohio).

“That’s why there’s three phases in football,” said NIU head coach Jerry Kill. “You’ve got to play offense, defense and the kicking game.”

The Huskies were without starting quarterback Chandler Harnish, who is expected to miss at least two to three weeks with an unspecified right knee injury.

So Kill went with redshirt sophomore DeMarcus Grady. In his first real action of the season, Grady threw for 60 yards and ran for 55 more — nothing to write home about, but effective nonetheless.

“I think DeMarcus came in and did a good job and we found a way to win,” Kill said.
While Grady didn’t post the flashiest numbers, running back Chad Spann certainly did. The junior found his way to the end zone twice to go along with a career-high 156 yards on 21 carries.
“My hat’s off to Chad Spann because I think he made some tremendous runs and broke tackles,” Kill said. “I thought Chad Spann had a great game and had to make some plays, make some people miss and run over some people.”

The Huskies, with Grady and Spann leading the way, did major damage on the ground, rushing for 202 yards. The same couldn’t be said about the RedHawks. The NIU defense held Miami’s rushing attack to negative 11 yards.

“We started off today really well,” said NIU defensive end Brandon Bice. “[We got] a lot of stops.”
Bice and company also pressured Miami quarterback Zac Dysert all game long. The unit totaled eight sacks on the day.

But Dysert still showed glimpses of brilliance despite the constant pressure. The redshirt freshman threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns, one coming on a 24-yard Hail Mary as time expired.

“I think Zac is getting better each and every week,” said Miami head coach Michael Haywood.
The big questions for the Huskies, as they embark on three straight home games, are going to be how long Harnish is going to be out for and if Grady can be effective enough to help NIU accomplish its goals for the season.

“We don’t know how long Chandler is out, but we have to get ready for every game,” Grady said. “Coach has been saying it all year: approach it like you’re the starter. So that’s going to be my same mentality.”

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