Editors Note: All references to players, coaches and announcers in this article are completely fictional and do no represent the real actions or expressions of these individuals.


ESPN college game day announcer Lee Corso put on the Golden Gophers helmet before the first snap.

But by the end of the night he was wearing the wrong hat.

According to a simulation game on EA’s sports NCAA 2009, NIU would beat Minnesota 17-0 with the two team’s current rosters.

Huskie quarterback Chandler Harnish got the start for NIU (1-0). However, it was a rough start for the freshman, as he was sacked six times in NIU’s first three offensive series.

However, Gopher’s quarterback Adam Weber didn’t get off to a much better beginning.

Huskie defensive end Craig Rusch sacked Weber on the first play of the game. The hit injured the 6-foot-3 quarterback, and kept him out of the remainder of the series. Weber would be sacked two more times, another from Rusch and one from defensive end Larry English, in the contest.

It was during this series that NIU’s defense showed it would bend, but not break. The Huskies gave up a 26-yard pass to Gopher wide receiver Ralph Spry. The pass brought Minnesota (0-1) to NIU’s 24-yard line. But on the next snap Huskie linebacker Alex Kube released a monster hit on running back Duane Bennett and forced a fumble, which NIU linebacker Josh Allen recovered.

It was the first of three turnovers on the day for the Gophers, as Weber would throw two picks Both NIU cornerback Chase Carter and Melvin Rice would grab an interception for the Huskies. For the game, Weber would go 6-for-16 for 49-yards.

After almost two quarters of scoreless football, NIU finally broke through. However, it wasn’t Harnish who lead the scoring drive.

The quarterback suffered an injury after being sacked for the sixth time. With little options, NIU head coach Jerry Kill decided to play quarterback Dan Nicholson - although he kept him from starting due to injury.

Inheriting a 3rd-and-25 situation, Nicholson hit NIU tight end Reed Cunningham for a 24-yard pass over the middle. Although a yard short of the first down, the Huskeis were given new life, as the officials hit the Gophers with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsman like conduct because of excessive celebration.

However, NIU wasn’t able to punch the football in from Minnesota’s 8-yard line, and had to settle for a field goal.

It was in the second half when the Huskies finally found their offensive stride. After forcing the Gophers to open with a quick three and out, NIU came onto the field.

Although running back Justin Anderson started the game, Kill decided to play senior Montell Clanton predominately. After two three yard rushes Clanton broke off the right side of the line. With five Golphers chasing him the Huskie hit the sideline and dashed for 59-yards - only stopping once he hit the endzone.

Two offensive series later Clanton would again punch in a touchdown, as NIU marched 79-yards down the field to score for the final and last time.

Overall the Rockford, IL native had 115-yards on 22 attempts, with two touchdowns and five broken tackles. In comparison, Minnesota’s Bennett had 11-yards on five attempts, with a fumble.

However, the highlight of the drive was a 46-yard pass from Harnish to wide receiver Britt Davis.
Davis would lead the team with 71 reception yards, while Harnish spread the offense to his other receivers more evenly. Cunningham, Matt Simon, and Landon Cox would all have over 20 reception yards, as Harnish went 4-for-5 for 112-yards in the Huskie victory.

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