Going back to 2004, NIU has scored 30 pts 3 times in a bowl, 12 games. All before 2012.Their opponents scored no more than 21 (20+ twice) in those games. They were winners in all 3, 3-3 overall.

Since then they have scored 20 twice in 6 games, both games in which they were blown out.They have scored 14 or less in 5/6.

Meanwhile, their opponents have scored 31+ in 5/6 (21+ in all 6) including 30+ 5 times, 50+ twice.

A good defense can only go so far in today's game. We see it year in, year out. Inability to score vs. any team not FCS or a lesser MAC team. Other than FSU, these bowl losses are not national powerhouses or even teams with overwhelming talent. Very few teams can run for 250+ a game and win. IN an age of passing, NIU ranked at or near the bottom in every passing category, especially for a team that doesn't run 90% of the time. The running game is middle of the pack and that is mostly due to conservative offense as a result of a stymie defense vs. MAC crap and D2.

Something needs to change. They either need to go back to a heavy run 1st are develop a passing game that goes for 160+ more than 3 times a season. I know talent, recruiting has a lot to do with. And on field play, or there lack of. But minus a handful of games over the past few seasons, this offense is painful to watch. The only consolation is a defense the plays well in conference, vs. lesser opponents namely, can many times hang for 2,3 quuarter...maybe more with big boys. But anything positive seems to be a result of the defense with a high % of the good offensive games being in comeback situations.

Nowadays you need an offense that is capable to put up 400 yards, 30+ when called upon. The recipe, for whatever reason, is not there and hasn't been for a few years.