The NIU football vs Fresno State Bulldogs football match player stats show how Northern Illinois secured a thrilling win over Fresno State during the 2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The matchup took place at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, where Northern Illinois defeated Fresno State 28–20 after double overtime.
This college football bowl game featured strong performances from both teams. The Northern Illinois Huskies, representing the Mid-American Conference (MAC), relied on a balanced offense and long possessions. The Fresno State Bulldogs, a major program in the Mountain West Conference (MWC), started the game with an aggressive passing attack.
This article explains the complete player stats, team statistics, key moments, and top performers from the game.
Game Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl |
| Location | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho |
| Teams | Northern Illinois vs Fresno State |
| Final Score | NIU 28 – Fresno State 20 |
| Game Type | Double Overtime |
| Winner | Northern Illinois Huskies |
Fresno State controlled the early stages of the match and entered halftime with a 13–3 lead. However, Northern Illinois slowly gained control in the second half through longer drives and an effective running game.
NIU vs Fresno State Team Stats Comparison
The team statistics explain the tactical differences between both teams.
| Category | Northern Illinois | Fresno State |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 368 | 328 |
| Passing Yards | 188 | 217 |
| Rushing Yards | 180 | 111 |
| First Downs | 24 | 17 |
| Third Down Conversions | 8 | 4 |
| Time of Possession | 39:14 | 20:46 |
| Penalties | 5 | 7 |
Key Insights
- Northern Illinois dominated time of possession.
- Fresno State produced slightly more passing yards.
- NIU gained significantly more rushing yards.
- NIU converted more third-down plays, which extended drives.
These factors played a major role in the final outcome.
Northern Illinois Huskies Player Stats
Northern Illinois used multiple offensive weapons to maintain control of the game.
NIU Passing Leaders
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Holst | 14 | 26 | 188 | 1 | 0 |
| George Dimopoulos | 2 | 4 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
Quarterback Josh Holst led the offense and delivered a strong performance in crucial moments.
NIU Rushing Leaders
| Player | Attempts | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Holst | 15 | 65 |
| Telly Johnson Jr. | 11 | 54 |
| Jaylen Poe | 8 | 39 |
Northern Illinois finished the game with 180 rushing yards, which helped maintain possession and control the tempo.
NIU Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson Barnes | 4 | 59 | 1 |
| Dane Pardridge | 5 | 48 | 0 |
| Jake Appleget | 3 | 41 | 0 |
Wide receiver Grayson Barnes made the biggest play of the game with the game-winning touchdown catch in double overtime.
Fresno State Bulldogs Player Stats
Fresno State relied on its passing attack during the game.
Fresno State Passing Leaders
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Wood | 21 | 34 | 217 | 1 | 1 |
| Jayden Mandal | 2 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Quarterback Joshua Wood produced the most passing yards in the game.
Fresno State Rushing Leaders
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson Donelson | 12 | 63 | 1 |
| Joshua Wood | 7 | 26 | 0 |
Running back Bryson Donelson scored Fresno State’s rushing touchdown.
Fresno State Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Dalena | 7 | 89 |
| Jordan Brown | 5 | 64 |
| Bryson Donelson | 3 | 27 |
Receiver Mac Dalena finished as Fresno State’s leading receiver with 89 yards.
Key Turning Points in the Game
Several moments shaped the outcome of the match.
First Half Advantage
Fresno State controlled the opening half. Their passing offense moved the ball effectively and produced a 13–3 halftime lead.
Second Half Comeback
Northern Illinois adjusted its offensive strategy by increasing rushing attempts. This helped extend drives and reduce Fresno State’s offensive time.
Fourth Quarter Equalizer
Northern Illinois scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 20–20, sending the match into overtime.
Double Overtime Finish
In the second overtime period, NIU executed a trick play. Quarterback Josh Holst threw a touchdown pass to Grayson Barnes, securing the win.
Top Performers of the Match
Several players stood out due to their contributions.
Josh Holst – Northern Illinois
- 188 passing yards
- 65 rushing yards
- Game-winning drive leader
Grayson Barnes – Northern Illinois
- 59 receiving yards
- Game-winning touchdown
Dane Pardridge – Northern Illinois
- Key third-down receptions
- Reliable offensive target
Mac Dalena – Fresno State
- 89 receiving yards
- Several big plays in the first half
Bryson Donelson – Fresno State
- 63 rushing yards
- One rushing touchdown
Why Northern Illinois Won the Game
The statistics highlight four major reasons for NIU’s victory.
1. Ball Possession
Northern Illinois controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes, limiting Fresno State’s offensive chances.
2. Effective Running Game
NIU recorded 180 rushing yards, which kept drives alive.
3. Third Down Efficiency
Northern Illinois converted eight third-down attempts, while Fresno State converted only four.
4. Overtime Execution
Northern Illinois performed better under pressure and executed the decisive overtime play.
Head-to-Head Context
Northern Illinois and Fresno State do not face each other often because they belong to different conferences.
- Northern Illinois Huskies – Mid-American Conference
- Fresno State Bulldogs – Mountain West Conference
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matchup created a rare and memorable meeting between the two programs.
Quick Stats Summary
- Final Score: Northern Illinois 28 – Fresno State 20
- Game Type: Double Overtime
- Leading Passer: Joshua Wood (217 yards)
- Leading Rusher: Josh Holst (65 yards)
- Leading Receiver: Mac Dalena (89 yards)
- Game Winning Play: Touchdown pass to Grayson Barnes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the NIU vs Fresno State football game?
Northern Illinois won the game 28–20 in double overtime during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Who was the top player in the NIU vs Fresno State match?
Quarterback Josh Holst played a key role in the win by leading the offense and participating in the overtime touchdown play.
Which Fresno State player had the most receiving yards?
Wide receiver Mac Dalena recorded 89 receiving yards, the highest among Fresno State players.
What was the biggest statistical advantage for Northern Illinois?
Northern Illinois dominated time of possession and rushing yards, which allowed them to control the game.
Where was the NIU vs Fresno State bowl game played?
The game took place at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Final Thoughts
The NIU football vs Fresno State Bulldogs football match player stats reveal a competitive bowl game decided by strategic adjustments and overtime execution. Fresno State began strongly with a productive passing attack, while Northern Illinois gradually gained control through rushing efficiency and longer possessions.
Players such as Josh Holst, Grayson Barnes, Dane Pardridge, Mac Dalena, and Bryson Donelson delivered impressive performances throughout the game. The statistical breakdown confirms that Northern Illinois achieved victory through balanced offense and superior control of the football.
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