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Miami RedHawks Hold Off the NIU Huskies to Claim a Midweek MACtion Win, 29-23

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Football

Aveon Smith threw for 185 yards and one touchdown and added 105 yards on the ground and two scores as the RedHawks downed the Northern Illinois Huskies 29-23 on Wednesday evening at Huskie Stadium.

With the win, Miami improves to 5-6 overall and 3-4 in Mid-American Conference. NIU is now 3-8 (2-5 MAC).
 
Miami finished the contest with 171 yards rushing, maintained the ball for 34:32 and were 7-of-17 on third downs (NIU was 0-for-9). Mac Hippenhammer added 105 receiving yards and a touchdown and Matthew Salopek, Michael Dowell and Ryan McWood each had eight tackles to lead the defensive unit.

How It Happened:

  • Northern Illinois scored the game's first 10 points and led 10-0 with 4:45 left in the first quarter.
  • Following a 47-yard punt from Dom Dzioban that was downed inside the NIU 3-yard line, Corey Suttle forced a fumble two plays later in the Huskies end zone resulting in a safety.
  • A 10-yard touchdown run from Smith capped a 49-yard drive as the RedHawks trailed 10-9 with 4:39 remaining in the first half.
  • After Miami's defense forced a three-and-out, Suttle blocked a punt, spotting the ball at Miami's 49-yard line. Five plays later, Smith scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown for a 16-10 RedHawk advantage.
  • NIU scored to open the second half, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown reception, and reclaimed the lead, 17-16.
  • On the ensuing drive, Graham Nicholson drilled a 44-yard field goal. Miami led 19-17 with 8:34 left in the third quarter.
  • Smith hooked up with Hippenhammer on a 47-yard touchdown down the left sideline, spotting the RedHawks a 26-17 lead with less than a minute remaining in the third.
  • Just 42 seconds later NIU split the Miami defense for an 86-yard rushing touchdown. NIU failed to connect on the extra point and Miami led 26-23 heading to the fourth.
  • Nicholson's second field goal of the game, this time from 24 yards out, pushed Miami's advantage to 29-23 with 9:02 to play.
  • With the Huskies nearing the red zone, John Saunders Jr. ended the NIU threat with a diving interception with 4:43 left in the contest. Miami's offense did the rest, running out the final minutes with a strong rushing attack.

Game Notes:

  • Suttle's first quarter safety was Miami's first since Myles Reid scored a safety at Ohio State in 2019.
  • Hippenhammer finished the contest with five catches for 105 yards. He has now surpassed 100 yards receiving in two straight games.
  • Saunders recorded his second interception of the season.

Up Next:
Miami wraps up the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 22 with a 7 p.m. contests at home versus Ball State.