George Dimopoulos delivers a game-winning touchdown in double overtime clash

In the Idaho Potato Bowl held in Boise, Idaho, Northern Illinois University faced off against Fresno State on December 23, 2024. The game was tightly contested, culminating in a dramatic finish that saw the teams tied at the end of regulation, requiring overtime to determine the victor. Freshman wide receiver George Dimopoulos played a pivotal role, throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of double overtime. His performance was crucial in securing Northern Illinois a 28-20 victory, showcasing his exceptional talent despite being a freshman. This win came after both teams missed critical field goals late in the game, adding to the suspense and intensity of the matchup. Northern Illinois entered this bowl game with a record of 8-5, while Fresno State struggled, finishing at 6-7 after suffering from the absence of key players. The Bulldogs' starting quarterback Mikey Keene was unavailable due to his recent transfer, significantly impacting their offensive strategy. The injuries and transfers left Fresno State with 14 missing players, including top receivers Jalen Moss and Raylen Sharpe, forcing the team to adapt and feature five new starters in critical roles. This combination of missing personnel contributed to challenges faced by Fresno State in attempting to execute their game plan effectively against a resilient Northern Illinois squad. Throughout the match, both teams demonstrated solid offensive strategies, with Northern Illinois's quarterback Josh Holst stepping up in the absence of Ethan Hampton. Holst completed 18 of 30 passes for a total of 182 yards and two touchdowns. His performance, however, included an early-game interception that left fans concerned. Meanwhile, Fresno State's dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood showcased his ability to distribute the ball effectively, finishing 16 of 23 for 180 yards and one touchdown, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams. The climax of the game occurred in overtime when Fresno State initiated the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Wood to Bryson Donelson. In response, Northern Illinois efficiently moved downfield, resulting in a touchdown by Grayson Barnes following a defensive holding call. Dimensioning Dimopoulos's impactful contributions, he not only threw the touchdown but also completed a two-point conversion pass to Holst, sealing the win against a beleaguered Fresno State team. This victory for Northern Illinois not only showcased the team’s resilience but also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the college football season.