Northern Illinois tops UMass 34-20 with Poe's 2 TDs
- Jaylen Poe scored two rushing touchdowns and Gavin Williams rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown.
- The game featured a back-and-forth scoring battle, with UMass initially leading 13-7.
- Northern Illinois secured a 34-20 victory, improving their record to 3-2.
On Saturday, Northern Illinois University faced off against the University of Massachusetts in a college football game in DeKalb, Illinois. Jaylen Poe was a standout player, scoring two rushing touchdowns, while Gavin Williams contributed significantly with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown. The game was competitive, with UMass initially taking a 13-7 lead after a series of plays that included a touchdown pass from Taisun Phommachanh. However, Northern Illinois regained control in the second half, highlighted by Poe's 22-yard touchdown run that tied the game. The Huskies then executed a lengthy drive, culminating in another touchdown that solidified their lead. UMass attempted a comeback with a touchdown pass, but Poe's impressive 89-yard kickoff return set up the final score for Northern Illinois. The victory improved the Huskies' record to 3-2, while UMass fell to 1-5, reflecting the challenges they have faced this season. This game showcased the resilience of Northern Illinois and the impact of key players in crucial moments, ultimately leading to their win.