MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey wasn’t able to put his team’s 2012 season into perspective after Tuesday’s 31-10 loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

The Huskies had been outmatched by a bigger, stronger, faster Seminoles team, which was considered to be a national title contender at the start of the season. For Carey, it was tough to talk about the 12 consecutive wins, second Mid-American Championship title in a row or the school’s first BCS berth.

“Well, talk to me [Wednesday] and I’m sure I’ll have it in better balance. I hate to lose, and I know these guys [hate losing], too,” said Carey, who made his debut as coach after taking over for Dave Doeren the day NIU earned its Orange Bowl berth. “I told you when we first all talked when I got the job, I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I’m upset. I give them a lot of credit. Florida State is a great team and Jimbo [Fisher] does a great job.