Nov. 10, 2004

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DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - Scooter McDougle ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and Toledo took control of the MAC West race with a 31-17 victory over Northern Illinois on Tuesday night.

Toledo (7-3, 6-1) can wrap up its third trip to the conference championship game in four years by beating Bowling Green on Nov. 23. Northern Illinois (7-3, 6-1) blew a chance to clinch a spot in its first MAC title game.

The Huskies played without Garrett Wolfe, who missed the game due to an unspecified injury. Coming into the game, Wolfe led the nation in scoring (12 points per game), touchdowns (18) and points (108). On the season, he has rushed for 1,247 net yards on 198 carries.

The Rockets have won 11 straight games against Northern Illinois and lead the series 26-6.

Down 17-14 at the half, Toledo scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. After Jason Robbins' 25-yard field goal tied the game at 17, the Rockets took their first lead with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter on McDougle's 10-yard touchdown run. Jalen Parmele capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run with 9:28 remaining in the game.

Northern Illinois jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on Chris Nednick's 47-yard field goal and Adrian Davis' 1-yard TD run.

The Rockets got on the board in the second quarter when Parmele scored from 2 yards out. After Shatone Powers' 18-yard touchdown reception gave the Huskies a 17-7 lead, McDougle's 3-yard touchdown run pulled Toledo within three.