This game was Catch-22. Nothing made sense, but the outcome . . . because this game was Catch-22.
One team generates 429 total yards in 86 offensive plays while the other crawls to 263 total yards. One team holds the ball for 34+ minutes. The other 25:33. One team is an impressive 8/17 on third downs. The other a pathetic 1/14. And, for further consideration, that team with 263 yards, 25 minutes of possession and 1/14 on third down punts the ball 10 times. That team wins. How? Why? Who cares? We won. But, we should have lost.
What saved us was 3 interceptions for 127 yards (almost half of what the Aztec offense, um, created) and 1 touchdown along with 4 sacks for 30 yards. That is 157 yards of defense which is far more than half of what the guys with the football are supposed to do. Do note, the defense kept NIU out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. A great time to be effective.
We went from zero penalties against Air Force to a staggering 10/126. The refs were not pro-Aztec.
Congrats to Dominic Gudino starting in place of Antonio Rosales at right guard. Congrats to Andrew Aleki covering the NIU fumble in the first quarter that led to a Rashaad Pennuy touchdown the next play. Congrats to Collin Andrews for joining Tim Wilson and Isiah Macklin in the redshirt-freshmen receiver rotation.
Dakota Turner returns as if he had never missed a snap. Well done, Mr. Turner. Jay Henderson had the game of his Aztec life. And did we need that game.
35,717 in attendance. Not bad when the opponent is a MAC team. By the way, if Northern Illinois does not win the MAC, I will be most perplexed. These guys are good. A bowl game awaits.
5-0/1-0. Go Aztecs.
tipmypitch 