N. Illinois doubles up Toledo in MAC

Associated Press

DEKALB, Ill.

Tailback Chad Spann had three touchdowns rushing and quarterback Chandler Harnish threw a touchdown pass and ran for another and Northern Illinois pounded Toledo 65-30 on Tuesday.

Six players had touchdowns for the Huskies (8-2, 6-0 Mid-American).

Northern Illinois built a 28-0 halftime lead, then combined with the Rockets (6-4, 5-1) for a 51-point third quarter.

Harnish went 11 of 16 for 162 yards. He also rushed 13 times for 149 yards scored on a 28-yard run. Spann added 70 yards on 20 carries.

Pitt’s Romeus returns

PITTSBURGH

Pitt couldn’t wait for this news earlier in the season: Greg Romeus, one of the Big East’s top players, is ready to return from the back injury that has sidelined him since the season opener.

Only coach Dave Wannstedt didn’t expect to have the problem of where to play last season’s Big East co-defensive player of the year, possibly as soon as Thursday night at Connecticut (4-4, 1-2 Big East).

With Romeus out since the Utah game on Sept. 2 for Pitt (5-3, 3-0), junior Brandon Lindsey has emerged as one of conference’s best defensive players. The defensive end has eight sacks, second in the conference to teammate Jabaal Sheard’s nine. Lindsey also ranks second in the Big East in tackles for a loss.

Lindsey has the advantage of having played all season, while Romeus has played in only one game in 11 months. Romeus’ status will be decided at game time Thursday.