They were trying to get a first down.
That’s the explanation given by Northern Illinois (8-5) coach Rod Carey on the failed fake punt attempt in the first quarter. Not only was it surprising given the fact that punter Matt Ference was deep in the NIU end zone, but that the team also needed 18 yards for a new set of downs.
“That’s the easiest thing I can tell you,” Carey said. “The play before that, they really mugged up our gunner and we thought, ‘if we get an incompletion it’ll be an interference.