Oct. 27, 2012

Recap |  Box Score |  Notes

NIU Head Coach Dave Doeren

On NIU's second half adjustments on defense
"We were making a lot. They came out in what we call a swing-of-gate type formation in the first half. We had to get our guys adjusted to what they were doing out there and then they had 7 offensive of line men or 6, not sure, with extra gaps. I just think they were playing for a bowl game today and they knew they needed this win and we got their best shot. I think Coach Cubit is a really good Coach and their staff had a good plan for their guys. At half time we just made our adjustments and played our best defense in second half. I thought the third quarter was pretty big the way we played, especially after the drive where they stopped us on fourth down, I thought to come right back with a 3-0 was a big deal."

On how much of a momentum changer the field goal at halftime was
"It helped. I wasn't sure we would get it there but I didn't want to throw an incomplete and walk away with no points neither. Anytime you can get a play, just to get three points going in is to have something positive to talk about because its wasn't a very positive first half for us."

On the impact of Tommylee Lewis returning punts
"He's huge. Anytime the guy touches the ball he's pretty electric and his finally healthy. We're pretty beat up right now, so In order to have a guy feel good like he did today was big. Last week got into a rugby formation and rugby kicks are almost like kick-offs and tommy's our kick-off return so we took advantage of that."

On NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch
"I think the guy should be on the Heisman list. The guys close to breaking the all-time record for QB in rushing, throws four TD's runs for two, averages 130+ a game. He doesn't turn the football over, he's playing so hard and the fourth down throw shows you he's a clutch player too. I love the guy."