Dekalb, Ill. ? Northern Illinois played without injured sophomore tailback Garrett Wolfe on Tuesday night, but that wasn’t what caused the Huskies’ 31-17 loss to Toledo.

The absence of Wolfe, who had scored 15 touchdowns in nine games, did not jeopardize Northern’s twin goals of winning Mid-American Conference title and a bowl bid. Instead, Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and tailback Scooter McDougle beat the Huskies with big plays.

Toledo converted 13 of 19 third-down opportunities in its 11th straight win over Northern Illinois. Toledo also went 2-for-3 on fourth-down tries.

“Third downs are money downs,” said Gradkowski, who completed 28 of 37 passes for 297 yards. “We came after it. When that happens to a defense, it’s discouraging.”

Northern’s hopes for a MAC title and/or bowl bid depend upon winning its last game and then having Bowling Green beat Toledo.

Wolfe was sidelined by an eye injury that was not football related. He ranked sixth in the nation with an average of 175.4 all-purpose yards per game, 138.6 on rushing yards.

McDougle rushed for a career-high 133 yards.