Lombardi did not have a good start to the season, playing poorly against SIU and Nebraska, but he has played very well the last two weeks, against Toledo and Akron. On the road, this will be a tough game to win. This is no trap game, just a good foe who is playing well right now, and who will be playing at home.
Some bias analysis of Lombardi and the NIU offense. In their Boston College game it was apparent that BU did not have a great start to the season and almost lost to Holy Cross in week 2.
NIU LOST to FCS Southern Illinois. Souther Illinois lost to unranked FCS Youngstown State last week 31-3.
If you look at the Toledo game NIU cam back in the 4th quarter after trailing Toledo 35-20 early the fourth quarter. Did Toledo's D relax in the 4th quarter due to their large lead?
Finally the big offensive output against Akron was against a bad Akron defense. Ontario Brown ran for 280 yards on 13 carries (21.5 avg per carry!)
Trying to put some context to NIU's season in which they have been hot and cold as have the teams they have played.