BOISE, Idaho — The Northern Illinois Huskies emerged victorious against the Fresno State Bulldogs, clinching their third bowl victory in four seasons with a thrilling 28-20 win at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl held at Albertsons Stadium on December 23, 2024. The game went down to double overtime, showcasing both teams' grit and determination.
Freshman wide receiver George Dimopoulos took center stage, throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of the second overtime. Dimopoulos, who also converted the two-point conversion by passing it to quarterback Josh Holst, made the most of his limited passing opportunities, showcasing his versatility after having played quarterback in high school.
The matchup was far from straightforward for either team. Despite Fresno State's 6-6 record and the absence of their starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who had entered the transfer portal, the Bulldogs were poised to end the year on a high note. They strung together solid performances throughout the season but struggled to find consistency at key moments.
Tim Skipper, the Interim Head Coach for Fresno State, spoke candidly about his expectations leading up to the game. "I’m coaching to win. You know that's the way I see it. We’ll go through the situations and we’ll play the situations we get because every game...comes down to situations," he stated, emphasizing his aggressive style and commitment to maximizing his players' last games.
For Northern Illinois, the game marked another chapter of resilience. After upsetting Notre Dame earlier in the season and finishing with a 7-5 record, the Huskies entered the bowl game with renewed energy. Their head coach heralded the performance of freshman Josh Holst, who stepped up significantly after Ethan Hampton's departure.
The first quarter opened with drama as Bryson Donelson scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving Northern Illinois the early lead. A successful field goal attempt by K. Woodill allowed the Huskies to enjoy a lead of 9-0 before Fresno State responded. Just before the end of the first quarter, Joshua Wood rushed for another touchdown, bringing the Huskies to 15-0 after the extra point failed.
The Bulldogs rallied back with impressive coordination and strategic plays. Their defense began tightening, managing to stifle the Huskies' offensive maneuvers. The defensive turnaround propelled them forward, allowing the Bulldogs to find offensive rhythm and chip away at Northern Illinois’s lead.
The game intensified as the halftime showed the Huskies leading 15-7 after the Bulldogs scored on a late touchdown. The stadium was filled with anxious energy as fans anticipated how each team would redistribute their tactics during the break. The exchanges continued to showcase the competitive spirit, with neither team willing to yield easily.
The third quarter featured dramatic moments, including another rushing touchdown by Dimopoulos and passing plays from both sides, with the score fluctuated. Northern Illinois's defense made timely stops, but Fresno State also displayed solid tactical adjustments, exemplified by their aggression and tenacity during play. K. Woodill's 34-yard field goal extended the Huskies' lead, yet Fresno refused to succumb to defeat.
The clock wound down, leading to the climax of the game: double overtime. Dramatic and tension-filled, both teams had chances, but Northern Illinois’s determination led them to victory. Jordan Hansen's fourth-down sack thwarted any late hopes from Fresno State to equalize.
After the game, Senior Offensive Lineman Mose Vavao reflected on the season's challenges and their efforts to embrace the finality of their careers at Fresno State. "It’s definitely been crazy these past couple of weeks just dealing with how college football’s been working. But I think it’s a little different because we’re seniors right now. So at the end of the day, we have our last games...why not make the best of it, you know?"
Statistically, Northern Illinois outperformed Fresno State, achieving 24 first downs compared to the Bulldogs’ 17. With 161 rushing yards and 207 passing yards, the Huskies dominated offense and execution. The game saw impressive closing performances, with both teams fighting fiercely to the end.
This victory is not just another bowl win for Northern Illinois; it underlines the significance of their growth as a program. With key players like Holst stepping up amid changes, the future looks bright for the Huskies, who are making their mark by overcoming adversity and hustling through unpredictable challenges each season.
