Crazy game. I could not stop NIU on defense, they were able to run the ball 45 times for 324 yards. All game, they just ran the zone read up and down the field on me. Jordan Lynch was 10/15 for 134 yards, but rushed 22 times for 162 yards. Their backup RB came in early in the 3rd quarter and ran 10 times for 87 yards and 2 TDs.
1st quarter:
NIU scores first on a 8yd TD run. 7-0
CMU answers with a long methodical drive of their own, 7-7.
2nd quarter:
We trade possessions, eventually NIU scores with 1:42 left, 14-7.
I throw a pick two plays later, NIU is able to kick a FG before the half is over, 17-7.
3rd quarter:
NIU tacks on another FG, 20-7. *At this point, the game is starting to get away from me, I know I'm going to have to stop their offense to get back in the game, and so far that hasn't been possible.*
CMU gets 7 points with 2:19 left in the 3rd, 20-14.
NIU quickly responds, 27-14.
4th quarter:
CMU scores early in the 4th, 27-21.
*this is where it gets fun*
With 2:50 left in the 4th, NIU gets another FG, 30-21.
With :50 left, I'm able to finally get into the end zone. It took two 4th down conversions and way more time than I wanted. I decide to go for two to try and make it a one point game, thinking that if they score another TD and by some miracle I can get a final second TD, I can tie the game with a 2-point conversion. Unfortunately, 2-point play is unsuccessful, 30-27.
I onside kick, dont recover. I sell out for the run each play, and had all my timeouts. With 34 seconds left, NIU kicks a FG to make it 33-27.
In 5 big plays, I'm able to get into the end zone as time expires. The extra point gives us the victory. CMU upsets 4-1 NIU. Huge victory.
#5 ESPN classic.
C. Rush
22/32
233 yds
2/1
Z. Tipton
13/118
C. Rush
13/50
2 TD
J. Kroll
5/88
2 TD