KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Western Michigan University football team fell to Northern Illinois 24-21 on a last-minute touchdown Wednesday night at Waldo Stadium .
WMU (3-7, 2-4) had a 21-17 lead with 3:13 to play, with NIU getting the ball on their own 27-yard line after a punt by Nick Mihalic. On the first play of the drive, quarterback Justin Lynch ran the ball down the left side of the field for 52 yards to move it to the Broncos’ 21. Lynch ran it four more times until he finally found the endzone with 56 seconds left to play.
Western Michigan got the ball at the 25 after fair catch on the ensuing kickoff. A roughing the passer penalty on the Huskies moved the ball to the WMU 40 and then Treyson Bourguet hit Corey Crooms down the middle to move into NIU territory at the 44. Bourguet was sacked on the next play, which also included a holding penalty that was accepted and back WMU up to its 46. After an incomplete pass, he was sacked again backing the Broncos up to the 39 with a 3rd and 27. The Broncos tried to set up a screen pass but it was just out of reach of Sean Tyler. Facing 4th and 27, Bourguet was sacked for the sixth time of the night and third time on the drive to turn the ball over on downs.
Bourguet finished 15-for-30 through the air for 185 yards and a touchdown. Crooms had a game-high 105 yards receiving on seven receptions and true-freshman Nate Anderson had a career-high six catches for 39 yards. Tyler rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown, while Bourguet had 43 and a touchdown.
WMU’s defense recorded three interceptions on the night and held the Huskies to just 133 yards passing. Ryan Selig led the tem with nine tackles, while Zaire Barnes had six and an interception. Andre Carter had six tackles and an interception and Keni-H lovely also recorded a pick.
The Huskies opened the scoring after getting the ball on the opening kickoff and driving into WMU territory. The drive stalled but John Richardson connected on a career-long 53-yard field goal to give NIU the early lead.
WMU responded later in the first quarter, with Bourguet capping off a five-play 71-yard drive with his first career rushing touchdown from 16-yards out.
Late in the second quarter Nevan Cremascoli connected with Cole Tucker in the back of the endzone to give the Huskies the lead back 10-7, but the Broncos responded with a quick two-minute drill score with 38 seconds left in the half. The seven-play 63-yard drive was capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by Tyler.
WMU got the ball to start the second half. Tyler burst down the field on the opening play to the NIU 25 for a 50-yard gain. After a holding penalty backed the Broncos up to the 35, Bourguet was sacked and stripped by James Ester, with NIU recovering. The Huskies drove down the field and Jaiden Credle ran it in from the one to give Northern Illinois a 17-14 lead.
The Broncos took the lead once again late in the third quarter. Barnes had a pick-six called back because of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving WMU the ball at the NIU 40. A holding penalty backed the Broncos up but six plays later Bourguet connected with Sambucci for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 3:25 to play in the game.
Western Michigan heads on the road next Wednesday to take on rival Central Michigan for the Battle for the Cannon. Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m.
(courtesy WMU Athletics)
