Sat Oct 05 20:01:00 UTC 2024: ## Northern Illinois Huskies Triumph Over Massachusetts Minutemen in Thrilling 34-20 Victory

**DEKALB, Ill. -** The Northern Illinois Huskies (3-2) secured a hard-fought victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen (1-5) on Saturday, emerging from a back-and-forth battle with a final score of 34-20.

Jaylen Poe led the charge for the Huskies, rushing for two touchdowns and accumulating 89 yards on 15 carries. Gavin Williams contributed a significant 125 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Ethan Hampton added 64 yards rushing and a touchdown while also completing 5-of-9 passing attempts for 34 yards.

The game saw a flurry of lead changes early on. After a quick touchdown by Northern Illinois just 45 seconds into the game, UMass responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass and a couple of field goals to take a 13-7 lead at halftime.

The Huskies regained momentum in the third quarter with a 22-yard touchdown run by Poe, tying the game at 13. Northern Illinois then built on this momentum with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in another Poe touchdown, putting them ahead for good at 20-13.

The Huskies sealed the win in the final quarter with a 1-yard touchdown by Williams and a late touchdown by Hampton. While UMass managed to score one final touchdown, the Huskies held on for the 14-point victory.

Taisun Phommachanh led the Minutemen offense, throwing for 263 yards and a touchdown on 15-of-30 passing. T.Y. Harding was Phommachanh’s primary target, catching four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.

The victory marks a significant step forward for Northern Illinois as they look to continue their winning ways in the upcoming weeks.

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