Northern Illinois is known for their rushing prowess, and fields the nation's 89th-ranked passing unit, but you'd never guess it from their behavior so far in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl. Chandler Harnish is sort of the MAC's answer to Cam Newton, only infinitely more likable. He completed a surprise 25-yard pass in the Huskies' first series, and now winds up and launches the ball 39 yards in the general direction of Martel Moore, who makes a showy pulldown catch. This sets up a touchdown run of seven yards for Harnish two plays later, and the Huskies are on the board. The point after is a miss, and Northern Illinois trails Fresno State, 6-7.
The Huskies return the momentum graciously, allowing Isaiah Burse to take their kickoff 54 yards in the wrong direction. They don't bend for long, however: No positive yardage is gained on the Bulldogs' next drive, and a sack of Ryan Colburn on third down sends out the punt unit. As the first quarter draws to a close, Fresno State holds a slight lead over Northern Illinois, 7-6.
Connect with Northern Illinois fans in our live game discussion thread.
Humanitarian Bowl, Northern Illinois Vs. Fresno State: Huskies Cut Lead With Chandler Harnish Run
See More:
