With the score tied 13 all, NIU quarterback Josh Haldi found Dan Sheldon for a 20 yard touchdown pass to put the Huskies up in overtime.

Then, on Maryland’s overtime possession, quarterback Scott McBrien tried to hit wide receiver Latrez Harrison near the goal line, but the ball ricocheted off NIU cornerback Rob Lee’s foot and into the hands of Huskie cornerback Randee Drew to seal the victory.

NIU coach Joe Novak called this “the biggest win of his career.” This is the second year in a row that the Huskies have opened the season with an overtime win against an ACC opponent.

“From where we came from this win is just tremendous and the biggest one of my career,” Novak said. This was the first sellout ever at Huskie Stadium, with 28,018 fans.

Before the end of regulation, NIU kicker Steve Azar had field goal blocked, which could have given the Huskies the win with only five seconds left.

Full game coverage in Tuesday’s Northern Star