DeKALB – NIU football (6-4, 3-3 MAC) clinched a bowl game berth Wednesday after defeating the University of Akron Zips (2-8, 1-5 MAC) 29-16 in Huskie Stadium’s sole midweek MACtion game. The victory marks NIU’s first conference win at home this season.
FIRST HALF
NIU’s defense forced a three-and-out on the Zips’ opening drive. Prior to Akron’s punt, Zips senior punter Avery Book fumbled the snap and handed NIU the ball at Akron’s 21-yard line.
On the ensuing drive, NIU took an early 3-0 lead with a field goal by senior kicker Kanon Woodill.
The Zips responded with a touchdown on the proceeding drive after piecing together a 7-play, 68-yard scoring drive but failed the accompanying 2-point conversion attempt. On the scoring play, Akron redshirt junior quarterback Ben Finley connected with sophomore wide receiver Adrian Norton for a 40-yard touchdown.
NIU responded immediately, taking a 10-6 lead in three plays thanks to redshirt senior Trayvon Rudolph’s 58-yard rushing touchdown. Rudolph took the snap out of wildcat formation, bursting through the right side of the offensive line before hitting the open field.
The Huskies extended their lead to 17-6 after Rudolph recorded his second touchdown of the night – this time, with his arm. Rudolph connected with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Dane Pardridge for a 39-yard passing touchdown.
After trading scoreless drives, Akron redshirt junior kicker Garrison Smith slimmed NIU’s lead to 17-9 with a field goal. On the following drive the Zips came within 1-point, blocking NIU senior punter Tom Foley’s punt and scoring as a result.
NIU persisted, extending its lead to 23-16 after redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton connected with senior tight end Grayson Barnes for a 32-yard touchdown. Following an empty Akron drive, a Woodill field goal gave NIU a 10-point first-half lead.
SECOND HALF
Akron and NIU opened the second half combining for 0 points and 4 punts throughout the first 15 minutes, a sluggish third quarter.
The scoring plague bled into the fourth quarter, as neither team scored until roughly eight minutes left in the game.
Redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams ended the cold streak, breaking free on a 71-rushing touchdown and giving NIU a 29-16 lead late in the fourth quarter.
After the Huskies and Zips traded punts, Akron marched down the field with a lengthy, 16-play drive that lasted until the final 30 seconds.
Akron failed to produce points, turning the ball over on downs and allowing Hampton to kneel out the clock.
Advancing to six wins, NIU is now bowl eligible.
