NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS
Match Date & Time: December 23, 2024, 3:30 PM MT (Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho)
NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS from the 2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl produced one of the most dramatic bowl finishes of the season, with Northern Illinois Huskies rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Fresno State Bulldogs 28-20 in double overtime.
Freshman QB Josh Holst (backup) threw a 25-yard TD pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of the second OT, followed by a 2-point conversion to Holst himself, while senior LB Jordan Hansen sealed the win with a fourth-down sack on Fresno State’s final drive. NIU overcame early struggles (3-13 at half) with a dominant second half and OT defense, finishing the year 8-5. Fresno State ended 6-7 after failing to capitalize on their halftime lead.
FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL VS NIU FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS revealed Fresno State’s early offensive efficiency (13-3 halftime) but defensive breakdowns in OT. The game showcased NIU’s resilience and bowl-game experience against a Mountain West opponent.
Quick Summary
Northern Illinois Huskies defeated Fresno State Bulldogs 28-20 (2OT) in the 2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS highlighted NIU’s comeback from 13-3 halftime deficit. Top performers: Josh Holst (25-yard game-winning TD pass, MVP), Jordan Hansen (clutch sack), Dane Pardridge (OT TD catch) for NIU; Bryson Donelson (82 rush yds, 2 TDs), Joshua Wood (180 pass yds) for Fresno State. Key stats: NIU 368 total yards (207 pass, 161 rush), Fresno State 328 (211 pass, 117 rush); NIU won red zone and forced key stops. Turning point: Hansen’s 2OT sack; impact: NIU 8-5 finish, Fresno State 6-7.
Game/Event Details Breakdown
This bowl game featured MAC vs MWC matchup.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Venue | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho |
| Attendance | ~10,359 (reported in some sources) |
| Weather | Cold December conditions (~44°F) |
| Competition | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 2024 |
| Final Record | NIU 8-5, Fresno State 6-7 |
Quarter-by-Quarter & OT Scoring
Fresno State led early; NIU rallied.
| Quarter/OT | NIU Points | Fresno State Points | Score at End | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 13 | 3-13 | Fresno State early FG + TD |
| 2nd | 0 | 0 | 3-13 | Scoreless; halftime |
| 3rd | 10 | 0 | 13-13 | NIU ties it |
| 4th | 7 | 7 | 20-20 | Tied at end of regulation |
| OT | 0 | 0 | 20-20 | First OT scoreless |
| 2OT | 8 | 0 | 28-20 | NIU TD + 2-pt conversion |
Additional Details
Bowl game; cold weather; no major injuries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Injuries/Updates | Both teams played full strength |
| Penalties | Not detailed in recaps |
| Time of Possession | NIU advantage in OT |
Match Essentials: What, Where, When, Why, and How
What happened? NIU won 28-20 in 2OT with clutch defense and OT TD.
Where? Albertsons Stadium, Boise – Famous Idaho Potato Bowl venue.
When? Fresno State led 13-3 at half; NIU rallied in second half and OT.
Why NIU won? Defense forced stops; Holst executed in OT.
How did NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS influence? NIU’s turnover margin, red-zone execution, and Hansen’s sack decided the game.
Quarter-by-Quarter & OT Breakdown
First Half: Fresno State Dominates Early
Fresno State built 13-3 halftime lead with FG and TD.
- NIU struggled offensively.
- Fresno State controlled time and field position. Momentum to Fresno State. NIU defense bent but limited damage.
Third Quarter: NIU Turns It Around
NIU scored 10 points to tie at 13-13.
- Balanced attack and defensive stops.
- Fresno State stalled. Momentum shifted to NIU. Adjustments worked.
Fourth Quarter: Regulation Tie
Both teams scored TDs; game went to OT at 20-20.
- High drama late.
- Both offenses clicked. Momentum even. NIU forced OT with strong drive.
Overtime: NIU Wins in 2OT
First OT scoreless; NIU scored TD + 2-pt in 2OT.
- Hansen’s sack ended Fresno State’s drive.
- Final: 28-20 NIU. Momentum decisively NIU. Fresno State collapsed in OT.
Highlight Standout Performances
Holst and defense led NIU.
| Player | Team | Key Metrics | Rating | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Holst | NIU | 25-yard TD pass in 2OT | MVP | Freshman hero |
| Jordan Hansen | NIU | 4th-down sack in 2OT | 8.5 | Game-sealing play |
| Dane Pardridge | NIU | TD reception in 2OT | 8.0 | Clutch catch |
| Grayson Barnes | NIU | 6 rec, 57 yds, 2 TD | 7.8 | Multi-TD contributor |
| Joshua Wood | Fresno St | 180 pass yds | 7.8 | Starter performance |
| Bryson Donelson | Fresno St | 15 carry, 82 yds, 1 TD + rec TD | 7.6 | Dual-threat impact |
Performance Comparisons
NIU won key moments despite Fresno State yardage edge.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | NIU | Fresno State | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 368 | 328 | NIU |
| Passing Yards | 207 | 211 | Fresno St |
| Rushing Yards | 161 | 117 | NIU |
| Turnovers | Low | Higher | NIU |
| Red Zone Efficiency | High | – | NIU |
Passing & Efficiency
| Team | Comp-Att | Yards | TD-INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIU | – | 207 | – | – |
| Fresno St | 19-29 | 211 | – | – |
Clutch Moments/Key Decisions
Fresno State’s 13-3 halftime lead looked strong.
NIU’s third-quarter rally tied it.
In NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS, Hansen’s 2OT sack was game-sealing.
NIU’s 2-pt conversion after 2OT TD won it.
Fresno State’s failure to capitalize in OT proved costly.
Coach Hammock’s trust in Holst late was key.
Conclusion
NIU’s 28-20 double-overtime win over Fresno State in the 2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was a signature moment for the Huskies, showcasing resilience and clutch play. Freshman QB Josh Holst’s heroics and Jordan Hansen’s sack turned the game, while Fresno State’s early lead slipped away late. The result boosted NIU’s program and gave Fresno State valuable bowl experience.
This game has implications: NIU finishes strong, Fresno State reflects on late-game execution. In NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS, defense and heart won out. Teaser: Can NIU build on this for 2025? More analyses coming.
The bowl reminded fans why college football bowls matter — drama, young heroes, and lasting memories.
FAQs
What were NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS?
NIU won 28-20 in 2OT. Holst MVP with 2OT TD pass; Hansen sack sealed it; Fresno State led early but collapsed.
Who won NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS?
Northern Illinois Huskies won 28-20 in double overtime.
Key stats in NIU FOOTBALL VS FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL MATCH PLAYER STATS?
NIU 368 total yds, Fresno State 328; NIU won red zone and forced key stops.
Standout player?
Josh Holst earned MVP with game-winning TD pass in 2OT.
Match date?
December 23, 2024.
Venue?
Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho.
Impact on programs?
NIU strong bowl finish; Fresno State bowl loss.
Why NIU comeback?
Defense forced stops; Holst executed in OT.
Fresno State QB?
Wood (180 yds) and Mandal (31 yds) combined.
NIU defense key play?
Jordan Hansen’s 2OT sack.
Red zone efficiency?
NIU strong; Fresno State struggled late.
Bowl significance?
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl win for NIU.
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