Box Score DeKalb, Ill. -- Freddie Brock and Elijah Barnwell each rushed for a score but the Black Bears would come up short at Football Bowl Subdivision member Northern Illinois, falling 41-14 to the Huskies on Saturday afternoon.

Maine trailed by just seven at the break but was unable to score in the second half.

Maine rushed for a season-high 125 yards, led by Freddie Brock's 85-yards on 18 carries and a touchdown.

Derek Robertson, making his second career start at quarterback for the Black Bears, finished the day with 14-for-26 for 165 yards, setting new career-highs in both completions and passing yards. Robertson's favorite target was Devin Young who registered six receptions for 70 yards while Andre Miller chipped in five catches for 87 yards.

Maine's defense forced a pair of turnovers, giving it six takeaways in the past two weeks. Fofie Bazzie, who entered the day as the Colonial Athletic Association's leader in tackles per game, was one of three Black Bears to register eight tackles on the day. Bazzie was joined at the top of Maine's tackle list by Josh Lezin, who notched a career-high with eight stops, and Ray Miller who also featured eight tackles.

The Huskies struck first as they were able to take their opening drive 77-yards, concluding with a 7-yard touchdown rush from Harrison Waylee with 10:20 left in the first quarter.

Maine responded two drives later. Robertson began Maine's second drive of the contest with back-to-back first down completions to Devin Young and Andre Miller. Another completion to Young, this one going for 22-yards, set up Maine at the NIU 28 before Brock slashed his way into the end zone for the score, knotting the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter.

NIU regained the lead with 14:55 left in the half when Rocky Lombardi found Clint Ratkovich for a 22-yard touchdown

Maine again had an answer. Pinned on its own one yard line, Robertson and the offense went to work. Faced with a third and four, Robertson found Andre Miller along the far sideline for a 33-yard gain down to the NIU 14 yard line. Two plays later, Barnwell bounced in from four yards out untouched for the touchdown with 10:52 left in the first half.

The Huskies were again able to break the tie when Lombardi added his second score of the game, this time rushing it in on his own for a seven yard touchdown with 10:29 gone in the second quarter.

NIU looked to take a two score lead late in the first half, driving with less than two minutes left. However, Rich Carr snapped the momentum when he tallied his fifth career interception, sending the game into the break with NIU leading, 21-14.

The Black Hole defense held strong on its first challenge of the second half. After NIU entered the red zone, the Black Bears were able to limit the Huskies to a field goal. The 27-yard make extended the lead to 24-14 with 9:13 left in the third.

Maine's defense came up with its second takeaway of the contest late in the third. Lombardi mishandled the snap and Khairi Manns was right there to scoop up the loose ball, returning it 18-yards deep into NIU territory. However, the Black Bears were unable to capitalize as their 23-yard field goal attempt sailed wide.

NIU tacked on another field goal, this one coming just 51-seconds into the fourth quarter, as John Richardson's 25-yard connection gave the Huskies a 27-14 edge.

The lead stretched to 34-14 with 9:34 left in regulation when Lombardi broke free for a 64-yard rushing touchdown.

Following a fumble on a punt return by Maine, Lombardi again found the end zone, this time rushing in from 18-yards out for a touchdown.

Following the bye week, Maine returns home on Saturday, Oct. 9 when it plays host to Elon at noon. Tickets are available by calling 207-581-BEAR or online at GoBlackBears.com/tickets.

-UMaine-