Box Score DEKALB, Ill. — The Western Michigan football team had its opportunities, outgaining Northern Illinois in yards 492-447 and winning the time of possession battle 39:35-20:25 but it was not enough as the Broncos fell to the Huskies 27-19, Wednesday night at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill.
How It Happened: Down 27-19, The Broncos used some schematics to get deep inside Huskie territory in the fourth quarter. Zach Terrell hit Corey Davis behind the line of scrimmage, which then resulted in Davis throwing it back to Terrell along the right sideline as Terrell got down to the Huskies' five-yard line. After a few running plays, the Broncos were faced with fourth and goal from the 4-yardline. Terrell tried to find Davis, but the pass was broken up and Western Michigan turned it over on downs.
Western Michigan was aggressive on fourth downs throughout the game, going for it from its own 36-yard line in the first quarter. The Broncos threw a wrinkle at the Huskie defense as it used quarterback Tom Flacco to run it around left end, allowing him to pick up the first down. He finished the game with eight rushes for 35 yards.
Daniel Braverman had the highlight of the first half for Western Michigan. He caught a drag route and turned it upfield 35 yards for his 12th touchdown of the season, cutting the Northern Illinois lead to 14-10.
The second half started with both teams turning the ball over in different manners. First Corey Davis slipped on a route which allowed Northern Illinois to pick off Zach Terrell at the Bronco 44. On the ensuing possession, the Huskies went for it on 4th-and-3 from the Western Michigan 37-yard line, but were stopped a yard short.
After trading possessions, Terrell showed beautiful touch on a crossing route hitting Davis in stride for a 72-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving Western Michigan a 19-14 lead.
Nathan Braster blocked a field goal early in the fourth quarter,that would have given the Huskies a 23-19 lead at the time. His block followed a muffed kickoff return by Fabian Johnson. The Broncos defense stood up to the challenge on both Western Michigan turnovers, not allowing a point either time.
Northern Illinois was led by running back Jordan Huff who had eight carries for 159 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown in the first half. Huff got the Huskies out of poor field position taking a carry from his three-yard line and getting near midfield. The drive resulted in the eventual go-ahed touchdown for the Huskies
Up Next: The Broncos will close out the regular season on Friday, Nov. 27 at noon against Toledo in the Glass Bowl. The game will air on CBS Sports Network.
