SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, 10-5-24
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# Massachusetts at Northern Illinois -- Noon -- CBSSN
# Western Michigan at Ball State -- 2 p.m. -- ESPN+
# Bowling Green at Akron -- 3:30 p.m.-- ESPN+
# Miami at Toledo -- 3:30 p.m. -- ESPN+
# Massachusetts at Northern Illinois -- Noon -- CBSSN
# Western Michigan at Ball State -- 2 p.m. -- ESPN+
# Bowling Green at Akron -- 3:30 p.m.-- ESPN+
# Miami at Toledo -- 3:30 p.m. -- ESPN+
Massachusetts at Northern Illinois -- Noon -- ESPN+
Huskie Stadium -- DeKalb Il
The Huskies have lost two straight since opening with a pair of wins. The first setback was an upset loss in overtime to Buffalo Sept. 21. Last week, NIU fell short at North Carolina State.
Next up is future MAC member UMass. The Minutemen have some serious frusrations of their own. They are coming off an overtime loss at Miami.
UMASS (1-4, 0-0) is playing its last year as an independent but has already infused five MAC opponents in its 2024 schedule. With the loss to Miami last week, it is now 0-4 against the MAC. It's only 2024 victory was against Central Connecticut (35-31).
>>> The four MAC losses were to Eastern Michigan (28-14), Toledo (38-23), Buffalo (34-3) and Miami (23-20, OT). UMass was particularly impressive against Toledo and Miami. The Minutemen actually outgained UT 384-258 and owned a 23-12 advantage in first downs. Several big plays, including a 98-yard kickoff return, were pivotal.
>> Against Miami, UMass rallied late to take a 20-17 lead with 40 seconds left. However, the RedHawks sped down field and tied the game with a 47-yard Dom Dzioban field goal as time expired. After UMass missed a field goal to close its OT possession, Dzioban nailed a 44-yarder to give MU a homecoming win.
>> The key to UMass' offense is Taisun Phommachanh. The 6-4 , 215-pound quarterback is a talented runner and led Minutemen rushing with 18 carries for 80 yards last week. He is also a capable passer. Although he was a very pedestrian 9 of 22 for 173 against MU, his 64-yard TD pass to Jakobie Keeney-James was one of several key plays for the UMass offense.
>>> Keeney-James finished with four catches totaling 150 yards with one TD. Only one other receiver had multiple catches.
>>> C.J. Hester, formerly a Western Michigan RB, ran 14 times for a total of 63 yards and the other UMass touchdown.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (2-2, 0-1 MAC) outgained North Carolina State 279-171 and owned a substantial edge in first downs 20-11. In fact, the Huskie defense held NC State to 1 of 11 on third down.
Unfortunately for NIU, it lost the turnover battle 4-0, and that paved the way to defeat. Among the Wolfpack scores was a 2-yard fumble return.
>>> NIU quarterback Ethan Hampton completed 14 of 29 passes for a total of 159 yards with one TD and two picks.
>>> Andrew McElroy and Cam Thompson combined for six catches 90 yards and a score.
>>> Antario Brown was the Huskie workhorse, logging 28 carries totaling 114 yards.
>>> North Carolina State's defense registered four sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
Western Michigan at Ball State -- 2 p.m. -- ESPN+
Scheumann Stadium -- Muncie, IN
The Broncos open MAC play against a Ball State team in search of its first win since Sept. 7. That was a 42-34 victory over Missouri State. Since then, BSU stayed close in a 37-34 loss to Central Michigan but was blown out by No. 10 Miami (62-0) and undefeated James Madison (63-7).
BALL STATE (1-3, 0-1 MAC) hurt its own cause with three turnovers against JMU, which played turnover-free football.
The Dukes led 29-7 at intermission and pulled away in the second half.
>>> James Madison outgained the Cardinals 514-250. The Dukes were also able to convert 9 of 10 third downs.
>>> The Cardinals totaled 77 yards rushing on 33 carries (2.3 ypc). Braedon Sloan led the way with 14 rushes for 72 yards.
>>> Freshman Kadin Semonza completed 22 of 35 tosses totaling 168 yards with one TD and three interceptions. One of the picks was returned 27 yards for a touchdown.
WESTERN MICHIGAN (1-3) was down 17-3 at intemission last week against Marshall. The Broncos, however, rallied to forge a 20-20 tie early in the fourth stanza. MU scored the winning touchdown at 7:39 on a 34-yard pass play that culminated a three-play, 70-yard drive. Western Michigan responded with a 19-play 68-yard drive that ended at the Marshall seven after an incomplete fourth down pass with 31 seconds remaining.
>>> Senior QB Hayden Wolff completed 15 of 28, good for 126 yards with one TD.
>>> Anthony Sambucci and Kenneth Womack combined for 10 catches and 99 yards.
>>> Junior Jaden Nixon led the Broncos ground game with 23 carries totaling 146 yards with one score.
>>> WMU totaled 192 yards rushing, averaging 4.7 ypc. However, Marshall ran for 243 yards while averaging 6.2 ypc.
>>> Luke Zurak hit both field goal tries, with a long of 45.
Huskie Stadium -- DeKalb Il
The Huskies have lost two straight since opening with a pair of wins. The first setback was an upset loss in overtime to Buffalo Sept. 21. Last week, NIU fell short at North Carolina State.
Next up is future MAC member UMass. The Minutemen have some serious frusrations of their own. They are coming off an overtime loss at Miami.
UMASS (1-4, 0-0) is playing its last year as an independent but has already infused five MAC opponents in its 2024 schedule. With the loss to Miami last week, it is now 0-4 against the MAC. It's only 2024 victory was against Central Connecticut (35-31).
>>> The four MAC losses were to Eastern Michigan (28-14), Toledo (38-23), Buffalo (34-3) and Miami (23-20, OT). UMass was particularly impressive against Toledo and Miami. The Minutemen actually outgained UT 384-258 and owned a 23-12 advantage in first downs. Several big plays, including a 98-yard kickoff return, were pivotal.
>> Against Miami, UMass rallied late to take a 20-17 lead with 40 seconds left. However, the RedHawks sped down field and tied the game with a 47-yard Dom Dzioban field goal as time expired. After UMass missed a field goal to close its OT possession, Dzioban nailed a 44-yarder to give MU a homecoming win.
>> The key to UMass' offense is Taisun Phommachanh. The 6-4 , 215-pound quarterback is a talented runner and led Minutemen rushing with 18 carries for 80 yards last week. He is also a capable passer. Although he was a very pedestrian 9 of 22 for 173 against MU, his 64-yard TD pass to Jakobie Keeney-James was one of several key plays for the UMass offense.
>>> Keeney-James finished with four catches totaling 150 yards with one TD. Only one other receiver had multiple catches.
>>> C.J. Hester, formerly a Western Michigan RB, ran 14 times for a total of 63 yards and the other UMass touchdown.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (2-2, 0-1 MAC) outgained North Carolina State 279-171 and owned a substantial edge in first downs 20-11. In fact, the Huskie defense held NC State to 1 of 11 on third down.
Unfortunately for NIU, it lost the turnover battle 4-0, and that paved the way to defeat. Among the Wolfpack scores was a 2-yard fumble return.
>>> NIU quarterback Ethan Hampton completed 14 of 29 passes for a total of 159 yards with one TD and two picks.
>>> Andrew McElroy and Cam Thompson combined for six catches 90 yards and a score.
>>> Antario Brown was the Huskie workhorse, logging 28 carries totaling 114 yards.
>>> North Carolina State's defense registered four sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
Western Michigan at Ball State -- 2 p.m. -- ESPN+
Scheumann Stadium -- Muncie, IN
The Broncos open MAC play against a Ball State team in search of its first win since Sept. 7. That was a 42-34 victory over Missouri State. Since then, BSU stayed close in a 37-34 loss to Central Michigan but was blown out by No. 10 Miami (62-0) and undefeated James Madison (63-7).
BALL STATE (1-3, 0-1 MAC) hurt its own cause with three turnovers against JMU, which played turnover-free football.
The Dukes led 29-7 at intermission and pulled away in the second half.
>>> James Madison outgained the Cardinals 514-250. The Dukes were also able to convert 9 of 10 third downs.
>>> The Cardinals totaled 77 yards rushing on 33 carries (2.3 ypc). Braedon Sloan led the way with 14 rushes for 72 yards.
>>> Freshman Kadin Semonza completed 22 of 35 tosses totaling 168 yards with one TD and three interceptions. One of the picks was returned 27 yards for a touchdown.
WESTERN MICHIGAN (1-3) was down 17-3 at intemission last week against Marshall. The Broncos, however, rallied to forge a 20-20 tie early in the fourth stanza. MU scored the winning touchdown at 7:39 on a 34-yard pass play that culminated a three-play, 70-yard drive. Western Michigan responded with a 19-play 68-yard drive that ended at the Marshall seven after an incomplete fourth down pass with 31 seconds remaining.
>>> Senior QB Hayden Wolff completed 15 of 28, good for 126 yards with one TD.
>>> Anthony Sambucci and Kenneth Womack combined for 10 catches and 99 yards.
>>> Junior Jaden Nixon led the Broncos ground game with 23 carries totaling 146 yards with one score.
>>> WMU totaled 192 yards rushing, averaging 4.7 ypc. However, Marshall ran for 243 yards while averaging 6.2 ypc.
>>> Luke Zurak hit both field goal tries, with a long of 45.
Bowling Green at Akron -- 3:30 p.m.-- ESPN+
Infocision Stadium -- Akron, OH
The Falcons have played some formidable football over the last three outings; they just haven't won!
With struggling Akron up next, Bowling Green has a chance to both break its three game slide and open MAC play on a winning note.
The Zips, meanwhile, started their MAC schedule with a loss, falling at Ohio.
AKRON (1-4, 0-1 MAC) has one win to its credit. That came Sept. 14 when UA downed Colgate 31-20. It's three non-conference losses were to No. 2 Ohio State (52-6), Rutgers (49-17) and South Carolina (50-7).
>>> The Zips led Ohio 10-7 late in the second quarter last week. However, the Bobcats jumped back in front before intermission. The TD was the first of 23 straight points by Ohio to finish the game.
>>> Ohio outgained UA 440-178.
>>> Akron junior Ben Finley completed 25 of 38 passes, good for 196 yards and one TD. He was picked off twice.
>> Jakew Newell had a team-high eight catches (44 yards). Adrian Norton and Bobby Golden caught five balls apiece for a combined total of 118 yards.
>>> Ohio registered four sacks and 12 TFL while holding Akron to a total of minus-18 yards rushing.
>>> Garrison Smith booted a 49-yard field goal. Avery Book averaged 47.3 yards per punt on seven kicks.
BOWLING GREEN (1-3) is coming off a 30-27 loss to Old Dominion last Saturday.
>>> The Falcons trailed 17-14 at intermission, but moved in front 27-23 following a Terion Stewat 13-yard TD run with 3:01 left to play. ODU then put together a 13-play, 79-yard drive to score the winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.
>>> The Falcons led in total yardage 399-333 and had a 23-16 edge in first downs.
>>> QB Connor Bazelak completed 27 of 36 passes totaling 303 yards with two TDs and one INT. He is the fifth active quarterback to reach 10,000 passing yards for his career. His 970 career completions ranks No. 3 among
active players.
>>> Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. continued his outstanding 2024 play, recording 12 catches for a total of 192 yards and two TDs.
>>> Fannin Jr. is No. 1 in the nation among tight ends in receptions (37), receiving yards (541), YAC (315), first downs (25), broken tackles (14) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (4). Per Pro Football Focus, Fannin owns the highest overall grade in the nation (95.2) and ranks No. 1 for his pass routes grade (96.0) for all receivers. He also ranks No. 6 among all players in both receiving yards and receptions.
>>> Bowling Green totaled 96 yards rushing. Stewart carried 20 times for a total of 67 yards and one score. Jaison Patterson had eight trips for 43 yards and a TD.
>>> • Bowling Green has recorded 12 sacks this season. DL Anthony Hawkins and ILB Joseph Sipp Jr. are No. 1 in the MAC (No. 28 nationally) with 0.75 sacks per game.
Infocision Stadium -- Akron, OH
The Falcons have played some formidable football over the last three outings; they just haven't won!
With struggling Akron up next, Bowling Green has a chance to both break its three game slide and open MAC play on a winning note.
The Zips, meanwhile, started their MAC schedule with a loss, falling at Ohio.
AKRON (1-4, 0-1 MAC) has one win to its credit. That came Sept. 14 when UA downed Colgate 31-20. It's three non-conference losses were to No. 2 Ohio State (52-6), Rutgers (49-17) and South Carolina (50-7).
>>> The Zips led Ohio 10-7 late in the second quarter last week. However, the Bobcats jumped back in front before intermission. The TD was the first of 23 straight points by Ohio to finish the game.
>>> Ohio outgained UA 440-178.
>>> Akron junior Ben Finley completed 25 of 38 passes, good for 196 yards and one TD. He was picked off twice.
>> Jakew Newell had a team-high eight catches (44 yards). Adrian Norton and Bobby Golden caught five balls apiece for a combined total of 118 yards.
>>> Ohio registered four sacks and 12 TFL while holding Akron to a total of minus-18 yards rushing.
>>> Garrison Smith booted a 49-yard field goal. Avery Book averaged 47.3 yards per punt on seven kicks.
BOWLING GREEN (1-3) is coming off a 30-27 loss to Old Dominion last Saturday.
>>> The Falcons trailed 17-14 at intermission, but moved in front 27-23 following a Terion Stewat 13-yard TD run with 3:01 left to play. ODU then put together a 13-play, 79-yard drive to score the winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.
>>> The Falcons led in total yardage 399-333 and had a 23-16 edge in first downs.
>>> QB Connor Bazelak completed 27 of 36 passes totaling 303 yards with two TDs and one INT. He is the fifth active quarterback to reach 10,000 passing yards for his career. His 970 career completions ranks No. 3 among
active players.
>>> Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. continued his outstanding 2024 play, recording 12 catches for a total of 192 yards and two TDs.
>>> Fannin Jr. is No. 1 in the nation among tight ends in receptions (37), receiving yards (541), YAC (315), first downs (25), broken tackles (14) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (4). Per Pro Football Focus, Fannin owns the highest overall grade in the nation (95.2) and ranks No. 1 for his pass routes grade (96.0) for all receivers. He also ranks No. 6 among all players in both receiving yards and receptions.
>>> Bowling Green totaled 96 yards rushing. Stewart carried 20 times for a total of 67 yards and one score. Jaison Patterson had eight trips for 43 yards and a TD.
>>> • Bowling Green has recorded 12 sacks this season. DL Anthony Hawkins and ILB Joseph Sipp Jr. are No. 1 in the MAC (No. 28 nationally) with 0.75 sacks per game.
Miami at Toledo -- 3:30 p.m. -- ESPN+
Glass Bowl -- Toledo, OH
By MIKE SMITH
It didn't come easy, but the Miami RedHawks picked up their first win of 2024 last week when they edged UMass 23-20 in overtime.
How close was the outcome?
With the scored tied 20-20 and UMass closing in on Ty Wise and Kobe Hilton got a third down stop on C.J. Hester. That brought up fourth-and-one. Instead of a touchdown or field goal with almost no time left, the Minutemen "settled" for a go-ahead field goal leaving 40 seconds.
Miami 's offense . . . CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.
Glass Bowl -- Toledo, OH
By MIKE SMITH
It didn't come easy, but the Miami RedHawks picked up their first win of 2024 last week when they edged UMass 23-20 in overtime.
How close was the outcome?
With the scored tied 20-20 and UMass closing in on Ty Wise and Kobe Hilton got a third down stop on C.J. Hester. That brought up fourth-and-one. Instead of a touchdown or field goal with almost no time left, the Minutemen "settled" for a go-ahead field goal leaving 40 seconds.
Miami 's offense . . . CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.
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