NIU rolls to MAC title

DETROIT >> Northern Illinois had all year to stew over last season’s conference title game, when its undefeated run fell apart in shocking fashion against Bowling Green.

When the same two teams returned to the same stadium for a rematch, the Huskies triumphed with a record-setting performance.

Drew Hare threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, and Northern Illinois wrested the Mid-American Conference title from Bowling Green in emphatic fashion Friday night, beating the Falcons 51-17. The Huskies set MAC championship game marks for points and margin of victory.

“Last year, we weren’t prepared for their tempo, and they ran all over us,” Northern Illinois defensive back Dechane Durante said. “This year, we knew what to expect, and we were able to shut them down.”

The Huskies (11-2) are MAC champions for the third time in four years. Bowling Green interrupted that run last season when the Falcons spoiled Northern Illinois’ bid to go undefeated, but the Huskies made the most of their chance to avenge that defeat.

Unlike the last couple years, Northern Illinois isn’t making a push for one of college football’s top bowls, but there is little question about where the Huskies stand in their league. This was their fifth straight appearance in the MAC title game.

“They left no doubt in everyone’s mind who the best football team in the conference is this year,” Bowling Green coach Dino Babers said.