DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois took advantage of Kent State's missed opportunities and turnovers while handing the Golden Flashes a 24-3 loss on Saturday.
A 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was taken off the scoreboard when instant replay showed that Kent State running back Justin Rankin's knee touched the turf just before he carried the ball over the goal line. Instead of tying the game, the Flashes settled for an 18-yard field goal by Shane Hynes to cut the Huskies' early lead to 7-3.
After recovering a loose ball on the ensuing kickoff, Kent State again found itself with another red zone opportunity.