Jordan Lynch broke the NCAA season high rushing record for QB’s in the overtime NIU win at the 2012 MAC championship at Ford Field.
Photo by Lars Hjelmroth
NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch scored the winning touchdown from 2 yards out in the second overtime in front of an announced 18,132.
With the game tied at 34-34, NIU (12-1) won the toss in overtime and elected to play defense. Kent State had to have a third-down pass play reviewed to get a first down, and eventually scored on a 33-yard field goal by Freddy Cortez. Matthew Sims of NIU had a 40-yard field goal that sent the game into a second overtime.
“Nobody flinched, and I’m glad that trophy is sitting in front of me again,” said coach Dave Doeren post-game. “This team showed great resolve.”
After Lynch scored on his 2-yard run, the 18th-ranked Golden Flashes (11-2) had their chance. A pass interference call on Rashaan Melvin kept the Kent State drive alive. But two incomplete passes left the Golden Flashes with a fourth-and-8 at the NIU 9, where Demetrius Stone ended the game with an interception.
Lynch who became the NCAA single season leader for rushing yards gained by a quarterback was MVP. “We just had to get a feel for them and see what they were doing early,” said Lynch, who passed for 212 yards and rushed for 160. He has gained “We started getting a little rhythm.”
There were representatives of numerous Bowl Games present eyeing up both squads for potential invitations. The contest was televised on ESPN2.
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl executive director Ken Hoffman said that their selection process for the December 26, game at Ford Field will be intriguing. Besides the MAC team selected, possible opponents could be Western Kentucky, Louisiana Tech or San Jose State. Not enough Big Ten teams are Bowl eligible to have a representative.