Northern Illinois vs. Boston College Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
Alumni Stadium (MA)
Chestnut Hill, MA
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The Northern Illinois Huskies triumphed over the Boston College Eagles in an overtime thriller, emerging victorious with a 27-24 win. The Huskies took an early lead with Justin Lynch connecting with Antario Brown for a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Northern Illinois continued to build their lead in the third quarter with Antario Brown's 2-yard rushing touchdown and appeared to be in control. However, Boston College, led by the resilient Thomas Castellanos, mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter to tie the game and force overtime with a thrilling 30-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Williams.
In overtime, Boston College's Liam Connor kicked a 39-yard field goal to give the Eagles a temporary lead. Northern Illinois responded with Rocky Lombardi's clutch 1-yard touchdown run to seal the victory at 27-24. Lombardi's leadership and timely plays were crucial, and he stated, 'We came here to fight and that's exactly what we did.' The game highlighted the outstanding efforts of key players on both sides, making it a memorable showdown.
Key Plays:
Justin Lynch (Northern Illinois Huskies)
Justin Lynch showcased his accuracy and poise by connecting with Antario Brown for a 7-yard touchdown, putting the Huskies ahead 7-0. Lynch's pass capped a well-executed drive that set the tone for Northern Illinois' early dominance.
Antario Brown (Northern Illinois Huskies)
Antario Brown extended Northern Illinois' lead to 14-0 with a powerful 2-yard rushing touchdown. The offensive line created a clear path for Brown, who showcased his agility and strength by breaking through the defensive line.
Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles)
Thomas Castellanos ignited Boston College's comeback aspirations by connecting with Lewis Bond for an 11-yard touchdown, making it 14-7. Castellanos displayed excellent field vision, threading the needle to find Bond in the end zone.
Brock Lampe (Northern Illinois Huskies)
Brock Lampe's 1-yard rushing touchdown pushed Northern Illinois' lead to 21-7. Lampe's versatility as both a rusher and receiver showcased the diverse offensive strategies employed by the Huskies.
Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles)
Thomas Castellanos continued his dual-threat performance by rushing for a 2-yard touchdown, narrowing Northern Illinois' lead to 21-14. Castellanos' mobility and decision-making were on full display as he used his legs to score.
Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles)
With the game hanging in the balance, Thomas Castellanos delivered a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Williams, tying the score at 21-21. The pass capped a thrilling drive that exemplified Castellanos' clutch performance.
Liam Connor (Boston College Eagles)
In the opening drive of overtime, Liam Connor kicked a 39-yard field goal to give Boston College a 24-21 lead. The pressure-packed kick demonstrated his composure and accuracy under duress.
Rocky Lombardi (Northern Illinois Huskies)
Rocky Lombardi's 1-yard touchdown run in overtime sealed the 27-24 victory for Northern Illinois. Lombardi's clutch performance throughout the game culminated in this decisive play, securing the win for the Huskies.
Standout Players:
Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles, QB)
Boston College's Thomas Castellanos showcased his dual-threat capabilities by passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 67 yards and another score. Castellanos' resilience and leadership were the driving force behind the Eagles' dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, which included a pivotal 30-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Williams that tied the game and sent it into overtime.
Rocky Lombardi (Northern Illinois Huskies, QB)
Rocky Lombardi was the architect of Northern Illinois' offense, throwing for 165 yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime. His steady leadership and critical plays under pressure, including the decisive 1-yard touchdown run, secured the Huskies' victory. Lombardi's game management and clutch performance were instrumental in the team's success.
Antario Brown (Northern Illinois Huskies, RB)
Antario Brown played a significant role in Northern Illinois' victory, rushing for 53 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His versatility was displayed as he also hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass. Brown's contributions were key in establishing the Huskies' early lead and maintaining offensive momentum throughout the game.
Lewis Bond (Boston College Eagles, WR)
Lewis Bond was a reliable target for Boston College, catching four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. His 11-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was a crucial play in narrowing Northern Illinois' lead and igniting Boston College's comeback bid.
Liam Connor (Boston College Eagles, K)
Liam Connor demonstrated his clutch kicking ability by scoring six points, including a pivotal 39-yard field goal in overtime that temporarily gave Boston College a 24-21 lead. Connor's accuracy and composure under pressure provided critical points in the tight contest.
Brock Lampe (Northern Illinois Huskies, FB)
Brock Lampe contributed both on the ground and through the air for Northern Illinois. He rushed for 14 yards and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 28 yards. Lampe's versatility and timely plays added an extra dimension to the Huskies' offense.
References:
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Boston College Eagles - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Source
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Boston College Eagles Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Football vs Boston College on 9/2/2023 - Box Score - NIU Athletics
NIU Huskies @ Boston College Eagles - Sept. 2, 2023 - Gavin Williams - Boneyard Win No. 18 BayBay! - YouTube
Team
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2
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T
Northern Illinois Huskies
0
7
7
7
27
Boston College Eagles
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0
7
14
24
