Humanitarian Bowl, Northern Illinois Vs. Fresno State: Huskies Take 13-Point Lead To Locker Room

As the second quarter opens in Boise for the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl, Northern Illinois appears to have shrugged off any rust that clung to both units in their opening series. And it's all Chandler Harnish on this latest drive. The junior QB hits Nathan Palmer down the left-hand side for a 15-yard gain, rips off a 24-yard rush, and then bursts through the middle of the Bulldogs' line for a 28-yard touchdown run. Michael Cklamovski makes the extra point this time, and the Huskies pull ahead, 13-7.

Fresno State picks up another three-and-out, and Harnish tarnishes (sorry) the Huskies' next series with a fumble, but manages to recover it himself. Northern Illinois is reduced to a 45-yard field goal and a mere 16-7 lead. The Bulldogs keep pace perfectly, with Ryan Colburn providing a matching fumble and self-recovery on third down deep in Huskies territory, and Kevin Goessling's kick pulls the Bulldogs back within a touchdown of NIU's lead.

The next drive, the Huskies get right. Harnish rushes the ball himself or passes on every play, and connects with Willie Clark and Martel Moore for 14- and 21-yard gains before hitting the outstandingly-named Kyle Skarb with a 22-yard touchdown strike.

Ryan Colburn passes on five straight plays to get the Bulldogs within field goal range to end the half, but Goessling misses a 43-yarder as the clock expires. At halftime, Northern Illinois leads Fresno State, 23-10.

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