The Northern Illinois Huskies (9-3, 7-1) escaped with an 18-12 win against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6, 4-4). The Eagles staged a late comeback, scoring their first touchdown of the game with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, but ultimately could not outdo the Huskies defense.
A short punt from Ryan Neir positioned Eastern Michigan near midfield to start their third drive of fourth quarter. After their offense had done next to nothing all day, the Eagles suddenly orchestrated a rapid, seven play drive, capped by a touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Gillett to the outside shoulder of Nick Olds.
With the game narrowed to 18-12, the Huskies offense proved incapable of running out the clock, again punting the ball away. On the final drive, with the Eagles on NIU's 31 yard line, the Huskies linemen managed back-to-back sacks on 3rd and 4th down, effectively sealing the Huskies' win.
The victory ensures a first place finish in the Mid-American Conference for NIU, with the Toledo Rockets (7-4, 6-1) yet to finish their game today.
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