Northern Illinois beats Fresno State 28-20 in Double OT in Idaho Potato Bowl
Double Overtime Thriller
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Freshman wide receiver George Dimopoulos threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of double overtime and Jordan Hansen ended the game on a fourth-down sack to give Northern Illinois a 28-20 victory over Fresno State on Monday in the Idaho Potato Bowl.
Dimopoulos’ Heroics
Dimopoulos, who played quarterback in high school, also converted the two-point conversion when he passed it to quarterback Josh Holst for his second completion of the season.
Holst’s Impressive Debut
Holst, a freshman walk-on, was making just his third start at quarterback as NIU was without starter Ethan Hampton, who entered with 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with six interceptions. Holst completed 18 of 30 passes for 182 and two touchdowns for Northern Illinois (8-5). He was also intercepted on the first play of the game.
Overtime Drama
Both teams missed a 35-yard field goal in the final three minutes of regulation, including Dylan Lynch’s third miss of the game on the final play to send it to overtime.
The Winning Play
Fresno State started overtime with a touchdown when Bryson Donelson was left wide open out of the backfield to haul in a 9-yard touchdown pass. NIU needed five plays, and a defensive holding penalty, to score as Holst found Grayson Barnes for a 3-yard touchdown.
Fresno State’s Efforts
Donelson finished with 15 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown for Fresno State (6-7). He added three catches for 28 yards and another score. Dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood was 16 of 23 for 180 yards and a touchdown. Mac Dalena made six catches for 118 yards to help go over 1,000 yards for the season.
Fresno State’s Challenges
Fresno State was without 14 players, including starting quarterback Mikey Keene after he transferred to Michigan. Two top-three receivers, Jalen Moss and Raylen Sharpe, also did not play as the Bulldogs were forced to use five new starters.
Conclusion
Northern Illinois’ victory was a thrilling one, capped off by Dimopoulos’ heroics in overtime. The win gives the Huskies an 8-5 record, while Fresno State finishes the season 6-7.
FAQs
Q: Who threw the winning touchdown pass in double overtime?
A: George Dimopoulos threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge.
Q: Who was the quarterback for Northern Illinois in the game?
A: Josh Holst, a freshman walk-on, made his third start at quarterback.
Q: How many players were missing from Fresno State’s roster?
A: 14 players, including starting quarterback Mikey Keene and two top-three receivers.
