Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan entered DeKalb on Thursday night as similar programs. The two MAC West opponents were proud owners of the top two defenses entering the matchup. Both teams have also been involved in a series of close games this year, suffering close heartbreaking losses. But the stark contrast between the teams is their records. NIU entered 6-2 and Eastern Michigan entered 2-6.
But the disparity in the records would increase as Northern Illinois utilized a quick fourth quarter comeback to defeat Eastern Michigan 30-27 in overtime. The Huskies never led in the second half until Marcus Jones scampered into the end zone from nine yards out to preserve NIU's undefeated MAC record.