DeKALB, Ill. – Redshirt junior defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (Milwaukee, Wis./Greenfield HS/Upper Iowa) of the Northern Illinois University football team was named the Mid-American Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for his play in NIU's 17-7 win at Bowling Green Saturday.
 
Gill-Howard set career-highs with six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks as the Huskies moved to 4-2 on the year and 1-1 in the MAC. His sack on third and goal from the NIU 2 in the third quarter forced the Falcons to try a field goal that was missed. Gill-Howard also had a tackle for loss deep in Bowling Green territory that forced the Falcons to punt from their own end zone. The Huskies held Bowling Green to just 205 yards of total offense, more than 180 yards less than its average going into the game.
 
This is the second time a Huskie has been named MAC Defensive Player of the Week. Devonte O'Malley (Midlothian, Ill./Bremen) earned the honor on Sept. 9 after recording three tackles for loss and two sacks in the Huskies' 16-14 win at Notre Dame. O'Malley was also named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week that week.
 
The NIU defense leads the nation this season in third down defense, holding opponents to just 20.5 percent on third down. The Huskies held Bowling Green to 1-for-12 on third down last Saturday. NIU is also fifth in the nation in total defense allowing 253.7 yards per game while leading the MAC in scoring defense at 17.2 points per game and rushing defense at 96.3 yards per game.
 
Gill-Howard shared this week's award with Buffalo's Shaun Dolac.
 
NIU returns to Huskie Stadium Saturday as the Huskies will take on Toledo in the 117th Homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN+.  Tickets to the game are on sale with discounts available for East Side general admission tickets for $11.70 each using promo code NIUHC24. Get four west side reserved seats AND a parking pass for the Stevenson Lot (adjacent to Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park) for just $125.  Go to NIUHuskies.com/tickets to purchase or call 815-753-PACK (7225) during regular business hours.  
 
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