Tide Too Strong For La. Tech

#64 La. Tech – 7
#1 Alabama – 21

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Top-seeded Alabama opened TNS play with a slopy yet business-like performance in a 21-7 victory over Louisiana Tech. Trent Richardson eclipsed the century mark finishing the day with 106 yards and 2 TDs on 20 carries. A.J. McCarron went 6 of 7 through the air for 118 yards and a touchdown.

The Tide opened with an impressive 65 yard touchdown drive to start the game - each play a Richardson run, capped off by a 31 yard scamper.

La. Tech fumbled the ensuing kickoff – which would be a theme for them throughout the day – but Alabama failed to capitalize ending the drive with an unsuccessful fake field goal following a delay of game penalty.

On the following Bulldog possession Tarik Hakmi, who finished the day just 8 of 23 passing, was intercepted by Dequan Menzie. Richardson then busted loose for a 20-yard gain down to the 1 yard line, but again the Tide failed to convert the turnover into points this time turning the ball over on downs at the goal line. Alabama would get another shot at points before haltime but missed a field goal as time expired.

La. Tech promptly fumbled the kickoff to start the 2nd half and 'Bama finally made them pay. McCarron picked up 21 yards on a play-action pass before Richardson punched it in from 8 yards out to give the Tide a 14-0 lead thirty seconds into the quarter. They'd tack on 7 more before it was through following another Hakmi interception, this time by Will Lowry, who finished the day with 5 tackles and 2 forced fumbles as well. McCarron hit Marquis Maze for a 40-yard touchdown on the next play. Maze also had a 50-yard reception on the day.

The Bulldogs got on the board in the 4th with an Ahmad Paige 1-yard touchdown run.

The Tide will have to be much sharper to advance next round with #33 Florida waiting.

Stats:
Alabama
QB A.J. McCarron – 6 of 7, 118 yards, TD
RB Trent Richardson – 20 carries, 106 yards, 2 TD
WR Marquis Maze – 2 rec, 90 yards, TD
FS Will Lowry – 5 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, INT
CB Dequan Menzie – INT, fumble rec

Louisiana Tech
QB Tarik Hakmi – 8 of 23, 2 INTs
RB Lennon Creer – 3 fumbles

'Neers Handle Business, Advance To 2nd Round

#44 Georgia Tech – 7
#21 West Virginia – 17

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia got points in all three phases of the game and was able to bottle up Georgia Tech's option attack on their way to a 17-7 opening round victory.

The Mountaineers took the opening kickoff and methodically marched down the field on a promising drive, but almost came away empty-handed as Georgia Tech's Rod Sweeting (and the game's self-proclaimed Best User Corner Orange) looked to have a sure interception in the endzone only to drop the pass and see the ball fall into the arms of WR Brad Starks.

The Yellow Jacket offense came out lifeless and quickly punted. WVU was able to tack on a 49-yard Tyler Bitancourt field goal to take a 10-0 lead before halftime.

With their offense still sputtering, GTU found a spark on the defensive side of the ball in the 3rd quarter on a Michael Peterson 72-yard non-user-controlled interception returned for touchdown. The defense would step up again in the fourth as LB Doug Rigg forced a fumbled that was recovered by DE Julian Miller giving the Yellow Jackets a chance to tie or take the lead. But the offensive woes contined as QB Tevin Washington was stripped by CB Pat Miller and LB Najee Goode returned it 64 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

After taking the early lead, the Mountaineers tried to give Georgia Tech a dose of their own medecine, controlling the clock and playing keepaway to the tune of a five minute advantage in time of possession.

Georgia Tech finished the day just 1 of 6 on third down.

West Virginia moves on to play #12 TCU with the win.

Stats:
West Virgina
QB Geno Smith – 4 of 6, 31 yards, TD, INT
RB Shawne Alston – 15 carries, 61 yards
WR Brad Starks – 3 rec, 31 yards, TD
CB Pat Miller – FF, PBU, 3 tackles
LB Najee Goode – FR & TD, 2 TFL, sack
K Tyler Bitancourt – 49-yard FG

Georgia Tech
QB Tevin Washington – 3 of 9, 26 yards, fumble
CB Michael Peterson – INT & TD
LB Doug Rigg – FF, 3 tackles, TFL
DE Julian Miller – FR, 3 tackles

Orange Crushed

#43 California – 30

#22 Clemson – 8

Clemson HB Andre Ellington fumbles after a hard hit by Cal SS Sean Cattouse on the game's first play

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Blue, with one final chance to earn a first round win over Orange, saved his best for last.

Historically, Cal has been a TNS dud, suffering first-round exits in each of the two years they earned high seeds, and never advancing past the second round. On this occasion, they found the underdog role to their liking, cruising to a 30-8 rout of Clemson.

HB Isi Sofele scored two touchdowns, K Giorgio Tavecchio was 3/3 on field goals, and Cal's defense held QB Tajh Boyd and Clemson to 69 yards of offense. California QB Brock Mansion gave Blue his first 200-yard passing game of the tournament.

"Everybody contributed today," noted head coach Jeff Tedford. "It was a total team effort. It was like Total Recall."

Cal set the tone early, forcing and recovering a fumble on the first play from scrimmage. A field goal on the ensuing drive and a 12-yard touchdown run by Sofele gave Cal a 10-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Despite receiving the ball to begin the first half, Clemson finished the half with -4 total yards and no first downs on three possessions.

The Golden Bears went up 20-0 when Keenan Allen ran it in from 44 yards on a WR screen to cap Cal's opening drive of the second half. Then, immediately following a Tajh Boyd interception, Isi Sofele scored on a 37-yard screen play to make it 27-0.

Clemson finally got it going on their next drive, picking up five first downs and punching it in on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Boyd to WR Bryce McNeal, but it was too little too late.

The Southright region breathes a small sigh of relief as Clemson is eliminated, and teams named the Tigers that play in stadiums named Death Valley finish the tournament at 0-2. Cal will travel to Ann Arbor to battle #11 Michigan next round.

Stats:

California

QB Brock Mansion – 11/21, 201 yards, 2 TD, INT

HB Isi Sofele – 18 rushes, 76 yards, TD; 4 catches, 69 yards, TD

DT Kendrick Payne – 2 sacks

Red Gets Cocky With South Carolina - Scores 28 Unanswered in Bitter Contest

#56 Texas Tech – 7
#9 South Carolina – 28

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina defense lived up to its billing harassing and frustrating the high-powered Texas Tech aerial attack in a 28-7 opening round victory.

Texas Tech finished with just 2 first downs on the day and 65 yards of offense - 43 of which came on an opening drive 4th down 43 yard TD pass. The Red Raiders went just 1 of 13 passing the rest of the way, finishing 3 of 17 on the day, and going 0 of 7 on 3rd down and 1 of 4 on 4th.

The game was tight going into the 4th, tied at 7, before Stephen Garcia punched in a 4th down TD sneak with 2:27 remaining. The Gamecocks would punch in twice more with the game seemingly out of reach - a 31 yard Marcus Lattimore TD run with 1:03 to play and a 21 yard fumble return for TD by Rodney Paulk - drawing the ire of Orange who didn't finish the round as well as he started. He's made it very clear that he has next round's matchup with Red, which also happens to be #1 Alabama vs. #33 Florida, highlighted in his dayplanner and does not intend to let up. #getchyapopcornready

Stats:
South Carolina
QB Stephen Garcia – 6 of 10, 98 yards
RB Marcus Lattimore – 20 carries, 88 yards, 2 TD
WR Alshon Jeffrey – 2 rec, 45 yards
DT Travian Robertson - 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
LB Rodney Paulk - TFL, sack, fumble rec, TD

Texas Tech
QB Seth Doege - 3 of 17, 51 yards, TD
LB Brett Dewhurst - 5 tackles, 3 TFL, PBU

Ducks Stay Afloat

#63 Arkansas State – 7
#2 Oregon – 20

Oregon SS Eddie Pleasant smothers Ark St. TE Kenneth Rains on a fake punt

EUGENE, Oreg. -- Arkansas State gave Oregon all they could handle, but the Ducks are through to the next round after a tense 20-7 win.

The outcome was very much in doubt until the Red Wolves were stopped just shy of a critical first down on a 4th and 2 late in the fourth quarter.

Lamichael James was the lone bright spot for Oregon, rushing for 122 yards on 13 carries.

Oregon got off to a slow start, throwing an interception in ASU territory on their first possession.

On the ensuing drive, Arkansas State boldly called a fake punt on 4th and 2 from their own 30-yard line, but Oregon was ready, stopping TE Kenneth Rains for no gain following the direct snap.

The Ducks converted the turnover on downs into seven points on a 4-yard touchdown reception by HB Lamichael James. They added a field goal to take a 10-0 lead into the halftime showers.

It didn't take long for Arkansas State to get back in the game. On a play (somewhat) reminiscent of Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones in this year's Divisional Round contest in Denver, WR Allen Muse somehow got behind the corner and safety for a 75-yard strike to cut the lead to 10-7. A 48-yard field goal on Oregon's next drive made it 13-7.

Arkansas State, who had been running deliberately and widdling down the clock the entire game, engineered a long drive on their next possession. They picked up three first downs and advanced to the Oregon 28, before being stopped just short on the aforementioned 4th and 2. Again, it was Kenneth Rains carrying the ball for the Red Wolves.

Lamichael James iced it for the Ducks with a short touchdown run in the final minute.

Arkansas State mounted a valiant effort, successfully playing keepaway for much of the game, and committing no turnovers. They also outgained Oregon 145-117 through the air.

"We had a good gameplan, and the players executed," said first year head coach Gus Malzahn. "We just came up a little short."

Oregon awaits #31 Notre Dame in the second round.

Stats:
Oregon
HB Lamichael James – 3 rushes, 122 yards, 2 total TDs

Arkansas State
DT Amos Draper – 2 sacks

Arkansas State Nearly Pulls Off The Impossible In Autzen

Thursday Night Wednesday

It's another exciting night full of Sensationalizationalism.  Keep abreast of Facebook, Twitter, Google Blogs, and Twitch TV so as not to miss a minute of the action.

In our opening game of the night, Red and Orange square off in their final match up in the First Round, as #56 Texas Tech visits #9 South Carolina.  With Red's resurgence success against Orange, Red will have to work hard to avoid an upset as the fast paced air-raid Texas Tech offense favors Orange's style of play.

In the night cap, Blue's Oregon squad is heavily favored against Arkansas State, an at-large selection and favorite among the #TNS selection committee.  Green will yet again seek to pull off the impossible and pull off the improbable #16 v. #1 upset.   This pacific coast kickoff will also be the second live broadcast in Thursday Night Sensationalizationalism history.

Although the First Round of 2012 TNS is wrapping up, the drama and intrigue is intensifying.  Tradition. Pageantry. Maternity.  #TNS

Stanford Unchallenged In Opener

#62 Temple – 0
#3 Stanford – 31

STANFORD, Calif. -- An Andrew Luck lead offense cruised in the first round, scoring an easy 31 points as Stanford was never challenged by the meager Temple Owls.  Andrew Luck was able to connect with 5 different receivers on his 8 of 12 passing performance, for 145 yards and a touchdown. His favorite target of the day was his TE Coby Fleener , who finished with three catches for 36 yards.   Stephan Taylor was equally impressive, rushing for 16 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns. The offense had a total of 244 yards of offense, and put the game out of reach after Luck hit a streaking Chris Owusu down the sidelines before halftime to go up 17-0.

The Cardinal defense only allowed 18 total yards of offense. The Cardinals forced three interceptions by Michael Thomas, Johnson Bademosi, and Chase Thomas.  The Temple Owls were unable to convert any of their seven third down, and were able only to get two first downs the entire game. #3 Stanford will play #35 Miami Hurricanes in the second round. Orange, who has locked up a Sweet Sixteen team in this section of the bracket, will have a hard choice picking between the best quarterback in the game and The U.

Orange finished the first round with only one loss to his brother Green, coming in the overtime battle between Michigan State and Toledo.

Stats:

Stanford
QB Andrew Luck – 8/12 for 145 yards, TD
RB Stephan Taylor – 16 carries for 97 yards, 2 TDs; 1 reception for 10 yards
Coby Fleener – 3 receptions for 36 yards
WR Chris Owusu – 1 receptions for 76 yards, TD (35 seconds remaining in first half)
Anthony Wilkerson – 1 carry for 3 yards, TD; 2 receptions for 16 yards
Blake Lueders – 3 tackles (2 solo)
Michael Thomas, Johnson Bademosi, Chase Thomas – INT each
K Eric Whitaker– 1/2 FGA, 4/4 PAT

Temple
2 first downs, 18 total yards of offense
0/7 on third down conversations, 1/3 on fourth down

Cowboys Send Bruins Home In Opening Round Thriller

#59 UCLA – 14
#6 Oklahoma State – 17

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Joseph Randle scored on a 11-yard run with five seconds remaining to give Oklahoma State a thrilling opening round victory over UCLA. The sophomore running back finished the day with 85 yards on 18 carries and propelled the Cowboys into the second round where they'll host #27 Auburn.

OSU jumped out to an early 7-0 lead on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Weeden to Hubert Anyiam. They forced a fumble on UCLA's opening possession but were unable to capitalize turning the ball over on downs at their own 45.

UCLA's Johnathan Franklin tied the score on a two yard plunge in the second quarter. The Bruins opened the second half with a promising drive but stalled at the OSU 40 failing to convert on fourth down.

Randle went to work again for the Pokes eating up yards and time, setting up Quin Sharp's go-ahead 24-yard field goal with 3:05 left to play.

Franklin answered on the opening play of the ensuing drive, taking a Richard Brehaut screen pass from the backfield and emerging from a sea of bodies to bust loose for a 66-yard gain down to the OSU 14. He'd punch it in two plays later on a 9-yard touchdown run putting UCLA ahead 14-10 with 2:08 remaining.

Weeden, who completed just 9 of 23 throws on the day, calmly led the no-huddle offense down to the red zone setting up Randle's game-winner. With just 11 seconds to go, Weeden took the shotgun snap and dropped back as if setting up to pass before giving the handoff to Randle who fought through two defenders, pushing one forward and falling over top into the end zone.

The Cowboys racked up 11 first downs on the day to go along with 246 yards of offense. They also held an 8 and a half minute advantage in time of possession.

Stats:
Oklahoma State
QB Brandon Weeden – 9 of 23, 167 yards, TD
RB Joseph Randle – 18 carries, 85 yards, TD
WR Justin Blackmon – 4 catches, 66 yards
WR Hubert Anyiam – 1 catch, 37 yards, TD
LB James Thomas – 5 tackles, 2 TFL

UCLA
QB Richard Brehaut – 7 of 12, 161 yards
RB Johnathan Franklin – 12 carries, 43 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches, 92 yards

For The Strength Of The Pack Is The Wolf, And The Strength Of The Wolf Is The Pack

#46 NC State – 21
#19 Baylor – 7

WACO, Texas -- North Carolina State built a 21-0 lead and was able to keep the potent Baylor offense out of the end zone much of the game to come away with an opening round TNS upset. Much was expected of the Bears, who were taken highly in the draft, but Heisman winner Robert Griffin III will head to the cover of next year's edition of EA Sports NCAA College Football wondering what might have been.

After trading punts in the 1st quarter, the Wolfpack put together the first substantial drive of the day and faced 4th and 4 at the Baylor 29 yard line. Red elected to go for it rather than attempt the 47-yard field goal and QB Sean Glennon (filling in for depth chart starter Russell Wilson who was unable to compete in this year's tournament for any team after failing to get his permission slip signed in time) hit WR Chaz McQueen for 11 yards. The Pack got on the board first on the following play as Glennon found TE George Bryan after a play-action fake for the 18-yard touchdown.

NCSU forced a punt on the ensuing possession and took over at their own 25 with 30 seconds left before halftime. With Baylor getting the ball to start the third quarter, Red looked to extend the lead and Glennon was promptly picked off near midfield with 20 seconds remaining. Robert Griffin was sacked on 1st down before completing a 49-yard bomb to Josh Gordon who was taken down short of the end zone as time expired.

Baylor looked to be putting together a game-tying drive to open the 2nd half, but CB David Amerson stripped the ball free from RB Terrance Ganaway and CB Justin Byers scooped the fumble for a 62-yard touchdown return to give the Wolfpack a 14-0 advantage.

The Bears turned the ball over on downs on their own 45 the next possession and Red looked to put the game out of reach going for it on 4th and 10 - and finding WR Jay Smith for a 40-yard touchdown. The call was not met warmly. "I think it was wrong to go for it," Green said afterward.

"I'm thinking I'll get points with a field goal there and take [him] tying the game out of reach" said Red. "I lost yards on 3rd; didn't think I could make the kick. I missed one in the same spot the previous game" he continued. Smith pulled the catch in just beyond the first down line, but bounced off of two oncoming defenders and took it the rest of the way to the end zone.

Green quickly responded though, breaking off a 19-yard run by Griffin and then completing a 52-yard touchdown to WR Terrence Williams with 31 seconds remaining in the third.

It looked like they'd get the ball back right away too as Glennon was sacked before throwing an incompletion the following series, but he was to connect with WR TJ Graham for a 36-yard completion on 3rd and 16 to end the quarter.

After a Wolfpack punt, Baylor took over at their 10 yard line with 2:44 remaining but Griffin was sacked and threw three incomplete passes ending any chance of a comeback.

NC State was just 1 of 6 on third downs, but converted both fourth down attempts. They were also outgained by more than 100 yards (221-120) and had half as many first downs (8-4), yet were able to come away with a big opening round victory.

The Pack now await the winner of the #14 Florida State/#51 Northwestern matchup.

Stats:
NC State
QB Mike Glennon – 6 of 9, 97 yards, 2 TDs, INT
WR Jay Smith – 1 rec, 40 yards, TD
TE George Bryan – 1 rec, 18 yards, TD
CB David Amerson – 2 tackles, TFL, FF, 2 PBU
CB Justin Byers –  2 tackles, TFL, fumble recovery & TD, PBU
DE Rickey Dowdy – 2 sacks

Baylor
QB Robert Griffin – 8 of 21, 215 yards, TD
LB Chris McAllister – 6 tackles, 2 TFL

Green Comes Out Of Retirement To Same Result

#49 Pittsburgh – 14

#16 USC – 35

LOS ANGELES, California -- The Pitt Panthers traveled 2,400 miles to face the Trojans of Southern California.  The 3-3-5 schemed defense was no match for the rushing attack led by impact RB Marc Tyler.  Tyler racked up 189 yards on 23 rushes with three touchdowns.  QB Matt Barkley also chipped in with a consistently efficient game, going 7 for 11 for 130-yards and one touchdown to Brice Butler.

Pittsburgh RB Ray Graham kept the game close, running for 177 yards and two touchdowns.  The Trojans defense was too much for Panther QB Tino Sunseri.  Sunseri was constantly overwhelmed, finishing 2/12 for 61 yards (which came on one completion) and a total of five interceptions.  One of Sunseri’s five interceptions was returned for a 36 yard touchdown by hunting CB Brian Backham.

#16 USC will host #17 Virginia Tech, the benefactor of game clock mismanagement by Blue, in the second round.

Stats:
USC
QB Matt Barkely – 7/11 for 120 yards, TD
RB Marc Taylor – 23 carries for 189 yards, 8.2 AVG, 3 TDs (49-yard long)
WR Robert Woods – 2 receptions for 28 yards
Brice Butler – 1 reception for 9 yards, TD
Shane Horton – 6 tackles (5 solo), FR
Brian Backham – INT, 36-yard TD

Pittsburgh
QB Tino Sunseri – 2/12 for 61 yards, 5 INTs
RB Ray Graham – 17 carries for 177 yards, 2 TDs (64-yard long)
WR Devin Street – 1 reception for 61 yards

The Real Lives Of A TNS Girlfriend

Upset Prompts Rage, Short-Lived Retirement By Green

#58 Purdue – 21

#7 LSU – 17

BATON ROUGE, La. --  Heavily favored LSU hosted the Purdue Boilermakers in Death Valley as an overconfident Green sought his second victory against his brother Orange.  LSU’s defense looked to take an early lead with a first play interception by the ball hawking CB Tyrann ‘The Honeybadger’ Mathieu.   The Tigers were able to punch in a touchdown for the game's first score. 

In the second quarter, after a few early turnovers by Purdue’s QB Rob Marve saw the second string QB Rob Henry take the field. Henry was able to drive the ball down the field before being pulled in the redzone.  QB Rob Marve was able to prove his starter-status as he completed a late touchdown pass in the quarter.  LSU went into half time leading 17-7 and looked to continue the SEC’s streak of winning games against the B1G Ten.

The second half was a completely different story as Purdue was able to captilize off good field position.  After a big run by impact RB Ralph Bolden, Purdue utilized a no huddle offense to drive into the end zone, bringing the score within three points.  Purdue tried to take the lead in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but LSU’s defense came up big with forcing a fumble from Rob Marve inside the five yard line.

Purdue was able to get the ball back and on third down with 19 yards to go, Rob Marve connected with streaking a streaking wide receiver down the sidelines for the go ahead touchdown.  A miscommunication took place in the LSU defensive backfield that left the wide receiver wide open.  

The quick score left LSU with a chance to retaliate, however, the tension that filled the disbelieving Death Valley foretold of the inevitable, unspeakable outcome.  LSU’s Jordan Jefferson led the team to Purdue's 35 yard line, but a bad decision on an errant pass over the middle near the goal line closed out the game.  

Green forced a lost connection as the frustration of watching a potential final four team losing in the first round boiled over.  According to sources, Green went so far as to smash a TNS bracket over his knee, while shouting at Orange: "What is it that you are doing, that no one else does!"  After a short-lived resignation from the tournament, Green and Orange reportedly made amends over laughter, much to the shock and awe of their respective roommates who witnessed the encounter.  As Red famously remarked, "it is a wild mistress."

Rob Marve will attempt to lead his Boilermakers past #39 BYU in the second round.  The Cougars will be forced to travel cross-country to West Lafayette as Purdue now assumes LSU's lofty #9 seed for home field advantage purposes.

Stats:
Purdue
QB Robert Marve – 8/15 for 124 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 2 fumbles
RB Raplh Bolden – 5 carries for 56 yards, TD; 2 receptions for 15 yards
Logan Link – 2 tackles (2 solo), INT, FF
Gerald Gooden – 3 tackles (3 solo), TFL
Ricardo Allen – 2 tackles (solo), ATK, PD
241 yards of total offense, 4/6 third down conversions, 1/1 fourth down, four turnovers

LSU
84 yards of total offense, two turnovers

Northern Exposure

#55 Northern Illinois – 14
#10 Wisconsin – 0

QB Chandler Harnish watches WR Willie Clark score the game's lone offensive TD

MADISON, Wisc. -- Wisconsin fumbled on their first possession, and - in Red's words - never recovered.

It was expected to be an easy win; the beginning of a promising campaign for the Badgers. Instead, they never got on the board, and Northern Illinois captured the first major upset victory of the 2012 tournament.

NIU Offensive Coordinator (and future Head Coach) Rod Carey, who is from Madison, wasn't surprised by the big win. "We knew we had a chance. That's what I told our guys. I was saying there's a chance," he said. "And I feel like my leadership as the offensive coordinator really helped our defense not allow any points."

Wisconsin's potent running game was held in check, and the Badger receivers suffered a plethora of frustrating drops due to contact, as NIU's big win was buoyed by an inspired performance from its defense.

Perhaps the most impressive play of the game, though, came on special teams. Northern Illinois had a 4th and 10 at the Wisconsin 45, and elected to punt the ball away. The ensuing punt took a couple bounces and went out of bounds squarely at the 1-yard line, eliciting an eerie hush from the Madison crowd.

The Badgers obtained some breathing room with a 21-yd pass play on the subsequent set of downs, but were forced to punt after three consecutive incompletions. NIU, feeling generous, promptly fumbled the ball away on the next play, and the defensive battle was on.

It wasn't until late in the first half when the Huskies broke through on a 31-yard touchdown pass from QB Chandler Harnish to WR Willie Clark on a screen play, giving them a 7-0 halftime lead.

Northern Illinois started the second half with ball, but Wisconsin quickly got it back on another fumble recovery. On the ensuing possession, Wisconsin threw an interception to CB Dominique Ware, which was returned 63 yards for the game's second touchdown.

Wisconsin's final drive of the game had promise, until they tuned it over on downs with four minutes remaining in the game. NIU was able to run out the clock from there.

Northern Illinois travels to Manhattan, Kansas to take on #23 Kansas State in round two, where they will try to become the sixth team in TNS history seeded 55 or higher to advance to the Sweet 16.

Stats:
Northern Illinois
QB Chandler Harnish – 9/12, 107 yards, TD
CB Dominique Ware – 63-yard INT return for TD