NIU football (1-5, 0-2 MAC) remains in search of its first conference win after falling to the Eastern Michigan University Eagles (2-5, 1-2 MAC) by a score of 16-10 on Saturday in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
FIRST HALF
Eastern Michigan won the opening kickoff, electing to receive and starting the game with possession of the ball. The Eagles’ opening drive was a three-and-out resulting in a punt, giving NIU possession.
With freshman quarterback Brady Davidson starting at the helm for the second consecutive week, the Huskies’ opening drive resulted in a three-and-out of their own after a pair of runs and an incomplete pass.
After continuing to trade punts, the Eagles pieced together a 14-play, 63-yard scoring drive. Eastern Michigan took an early 3-0 lead as redshirt freshman kicker Rudy Kessinger drilled a 35-yard field goal.
NIU responded with a lengthy drive bleeding into the second quarter. Putting together a 15-play drive that ate 8:36 off the clock, the Huskies evened the score at three after senior kicker Andrew Glass booted a 35-yard field goal.
Forcing yet another punt, the Huskies failed to convert after Glass missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. After reclaiming possession, the Eagles capitalized, as Kessinger nailed his second field goal of the game to put Eastern Michigan up 6-3 late in the second quarter.
NIU and Eastern Michigan traded punts on the ensuing drives. As time expired, Eastern Michigan went into halftime with a 6-3 lead.
SECOND HALF
Opening the second half with the ball, NIU was quickly forced to punt.
On their first drive of the half, the Eagles’ offense marched to NIU’s 40-yard line before graduate quarterback Noah Kim threw an interception to NIU senior cornerback Donte Harrison and gave the Huskies possession at their own 17-yard line.
NIU failed to score despite the newfound momentum, instead trading punts with the Eagles.
After regaining possession, the Huskies found the endzone, gaining a 10-6 lead midway through the third quarter. Sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr. logged the score, breaking away on an 80-yard rushing touchdown.
Following the scoring drive, NIU and Eastern Michigan traded punts once again. The Eagles capitalized on their newfound possession, going up 13-10 after Kim connected with sophomore tight end Joshua Long for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
NIU responded to Eastern Michigan’s scoring drive by committing a turnover. Attempting a pass to redshirt freshman wide receiver La’Don Bryant, Davidson was picked off, giving the Eagles possession at NIU’s 15-yard line.
Despite gaining premiere field position, Eastern Michigan settled for a field goal, extending its lead to 16-10 with 5:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.
On the ensuing drive, NIU reached Eastern Michigan’s 48-yard line and faced a game-deciding fourth down situation. With the game on the line, the Huskies converted on fourth down and reached the Eagles’ 27-yard line.
Despite nearly reaching the redzone, the Huskies failed to convert on fourth down, allowing Eastern Michigan to kneel out the 16-10 victory.
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