Bowling Green, OH
Oct 12, 2024
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Northern Illinois secured a 17-7 victory over Bowling Green, distinguished by strategic gameplay and a resilient defense. The matchup opened with Bowling Green scoring first as Connor Bazelak connected with Harold Fannin Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown, setting an early tone. However, Northern Illinois responded methodically with Kanon Woodill's precision kicking, nailing three field goals, including a pivotal 46-yard attempt in the opening quarter and a decisive 27-yarder in the final frame.
The second half demonstrated Northern Illinois' grit and adaptability. Josh Holst took the helm following an injury to the starting quarterback, leading an early fourth-quarter surge with a 22-yard touchdown run. This was partnered with a clever two-point conversion where Grayson Barnes found Isaac Hatfield. The Huskies fortified their lead and their top-tier defense stifled Bowling Green’s offensive attempts, intercepting them late in the game to seal the triumph. The victory balanced the all-time series score at 12 each, underscoring Northern Illinois' defensive prowess and adaptability, particularly given their top-10 FBS ranking in defense.
Connor Bazelak (Bowling Green)
Bazelak delivered an 11-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr., giving Bowling Green a brief advantage. This was the result of a swift 75-yard drive facilitated by Bazelak's precise passing and Stewart's potent ground game.
Kanon Woodill (Northern Illinois)
Woodill's 46-yard field goal established Northern Illinois on the scoreboard, initiating the team's comeback following a strategic drive that weathered Bowling Green's initial defensive resistance.
Josh Holst (Northern Illinois)
Holst's 22-yard rushing touchdown broke the game's stalemate early in the fourth quarter. The ensuing two-point conversion came on a trick play involving a tight end pass, showcasing offensive creativity.
Nate Valcarcel (Northern Illinois)
Valcarcel intercepted a desperate Bowling Green pass in their final possession, thwarting any hopes of a late comeback and securing the win for the Huskies.
Kanon Woodill (Northern Illinois)
Woodill extended Northern Illinois' lead with a 27-yard field goal, a critical score that stretched the margin to two possessions, ultimately proving insurmountable for Bowling Green.
Skyler Gill-Howard (Northern Illinois)
A defensive standout, Gill-Howard sacked Bazelak, causing a fumble that Northern Illinois recovered, preventing a Bowling Green scoring attempt and cementing the team's defensive dominance.
Josh Holst (Northern Illinois, QB)
His entry into the game following an injury to the starting quarterback proved pivotal. Holst’s dual-threat capability was crucial as he threw for 89 yards and added 47 rushing yards, including a decisive 22-yard touchdown run.
Kanon Woodill (Northern Illinois, K)
Woodill's flawless kicking performance included field goals from 46, 21, and 27 yards, providing stability and clinching the victory.
Skyler Gill-Howard (Northern Illinois, DL)
His tenacity on the defensive line was evidenced by six tackles, including two sacks and a crucial forced fumble that stifled Bowling Green's offensive efforts.
Connor Bazelak (Bowling Green, QB)
Despite the team's overall struggles, Bazelak managed an 88-yard passing day with a touchdown throw, marking a continued effort amidst a formidable Northern Illinois defense.
Gavin Williams (Northern Illinois, RB)
Williams dominated the ground game, accumulating 102 rushing yards on a grueling 29 carries, providing control and endurance for the Huskies' offense.
Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green, TE)
Fannin's clutch touchdown reception marked his stature as a reliable target, further cementing his place in the Bowling Green record books with season and career records.
Northern Illinois Huskies
3
3
0
11
17
Bowling Green Falcons
7
0
0
0
7
