Editor’s Note: All references to players, coaches and announcers in this article are completely fictional and do not represent the real actions or expressions of these individuals. In no way did any NIU or Eastern Michigan players or coaches contribute to this fictional game simulation.

Offensive production was in short supply for NIU and Eastern Michigan, but when all was done, the Eagles soared victoriously over the Huskies 10-0.

EMU (2-3 overall, 1-1 MAC) was forced to start sophomore Kyle McMahon at quarterback, as starting QB Andy Schmitt was still injured.

McMahon challenged the NIU defense on the second play of the game, completing a 46-yard pass. However, on the next snap, at NIU’s 23-yard line, the sophomore would be injured by a Huskie hit. To add insult to injury, linebacker Alex Kube picked off McMahon’s pass.

With the take away, NIU quarterback Dan Nicholson took the field.

“We felt good about having Danny back this week,” virtual NIU head coach Jerry Kill said. “We were able to game plan around our senior.”

Nicholson showed he was ready to go on the first play, completing a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Matt Simon. However, NIU (1-3, 0-2) would lose possession of the ball after it crossed midfield due to a fumble by running back Montell Clanton.

“I was holding onto the ball tight, but then I had three defenders in my face,” the virtual Clanton said. “I was hit and the ball just popped right out.”

With McMahon still injured, the Eagles sent in third string quarterback Jason Williams. EMU’s offense would be held to three-and-outs for the next three series while Williams was sacked four times.

However, NIU couldn’t do any better, as EMU held it to three straight three-and-outs also. A large part of this was EMU’s ability to neutralize the rushing attack. In total Clanton gained 8-yards in 11 attempts.

Without a solid rushing game, Nicholson was forced to pass, but was unable to connect with most of his receivers because of a strong Eagle secondary. In total, the quarterback was 9-for-19 for 81 yards.

As the Huskies were stuck in the mud in the second half during a 0-0 tie, the Eagles began to find new life as McMahon returned to the game.

“I was pretty banged up,” the virtual quarterback said. “But I saw my team was in trouble, and we really needed this win.”

McMahon started the first EMU offensive play of the second half with a first down, but then was sacked twice on the next set of downs to force a punt.

In total, NIU recorded nine sacks on the day. Huskie linebacker Cory Hanson had two of those sacks, while seven other NIU defenders each put the quarterback on his back once.

“Most kids would get up, but they would be afraid to step back into the pocket. McMahon just kept going back to work,” virtual EMU head coach Jeff Genyk said.

That work finally paid off in the third quarter. EMU converted its first third down of the day on a third-and-nine. NIU challenged the call, but lost.

Four plays later the Eagles broke through as McMahon hooked up with wide receiver Tyler Jones for a touchdown. The senior wide out was named player of the game for his 192 receiving yards along with the touchdown.

“We just got to get back to work,” virtual Kill said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”