Illinois State defeats NIU in home opener following late touchdown pass

Illinois State moved to 3-0 on the season with a 28-24 victory over NIU in DeKalb on September 12. After the Redbirds established an early 21-0 lead, the Huskies responded with 17 unanswered points before halftime, fueled by a 30-yard interception return from Andruw Ellis. NIU claimed a brief 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Tyger Dickens to DeAree Rodgers. The lead held until Illinois State quarterback Gage Roy connected with Alex Herrera for a 16-yard touchdown with 1:53 remaining in the contest. Roy finished the game with 146 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Dickens recorded 193 passing yards and one score for the Huskies. NIU, now 0-2, travels to face Arizona, while Illinois State prepares to host Eastern Illinois.

• 4:31 AMYahoo Sports — NIU goes toe to toe against Illinois State, but falls short in final moments