Introduction
On December 23, 2024, the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies faced the Fresno State Bulldogs in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho. The game, attended by 10,359 fans, was a thrilling contest that extended into double overtime, culminating in a 28-20 victory for NIU. Despite significant player absences due to opt-outs and transfers, both teams delivered a competitive performance, showcasing depth and resilience. This article provides a detailed analysis of player statistics and key performances, adhering to the principles of accuracy and reliability.
Game Summary
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was a defensive battle punctuated by critical offensive plays. NIU, led by freshman walk-on quarterback Josh Holst, overcame an early interception to generate 368 total yards, including 207 passing and 161 rushing. Fresno State, missing starting quarterback Mikey Keene, relied on Joshua Wood and running back Bryson Donelson to produce 328 total yards. Both teams struggled with field goals in regulation, with Fresno State’s Dylan Lynch missing three, including one at the end of regulation, sending the game to overtime.
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In the first overtime, Fresno State scored a touchdown via a 9-yard pass to Donelson. NIU responded with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Holst to Grayson Barnes, aided by a defensive holding penalty. The game’s decisive moment came in double overtime when NIU’s George Dimopoulos, a wide receiver with high school quarterback experience, threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play. NIU’s defense sealed the victory with a fourth-down sack by Jordan Hansen, ending Fresno State’s final drive.
Northern Illinois Player Stats and Performances
Offense
NIU’s offense, despite missing key starters, performed admirably. Below are the key offensive statistics:
| Player | Passing (C/ATT, YDS, TD, INT) | Rushing (CAR, YDS, TD) | Receiving (REC, YDS, TD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Holst (QB) | 18/30, 182, 2, 1 | 4, 8, 0 | – |
| George Dimopoulos (WR) | 1/1, 25, 1, 0 | – | – |
| Antario Brown (RB) | – | 16, 65, 0 | – |
| Gavin Williams (RB) | – | 18, 56, 0 | – |
| Grayson Barnes (WR) | – | – | 3, 59, 1 |
| Dane Pardridge (WR) | – | – | 6, 57, 2 |
- Josh Holst showed poise in his third start, completing 18 of 30 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, though an early interception highlighted his inexperience.
- George Dimopoulos made a game-changing contribution, completing a 25-yard touchdown pass in double overtime, leveraging his high school quarterback skills.
- Antario Brown and Gavin Williams anchored the rushing attack, combining for 121 yards on 34 carries, providing balance to the offense.
- Grayson Barnes and Dane Pardridge were key targets, with Barnes making a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch and Pardridge leading with six receptions.
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Defense
NIU’s defense was instrumental in limiting Fresno State’s offense and securing the win. Key defensive stats include:
| Player | Tackles (Total/Solo) | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaden Dolphin | 7/5 | 0 | 1 (11 YDS) |
| Nate Valcarcel | 6/6 | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan Hansen | 3/2 | 1 | 0 |
| Devonte O’Malley | 3/3 | 1 | 0 |
- Jaden Dolphin led with seven tackles and an interception, disrupting Fresno State’s passing game.
- Jordan Hansen delivered the game-ending sack in double overtime, a critical play that sealed NIU’s victory.
- The defense forced one turnover and recorded two sacks, maintaining pressure on Fresno State’s depleted offense.
Fresno State Player Stats and Performances
Offense
Fresno State’s offense, led by backup quarterback Joshua Wood, produced 328 total yards. Key offensive statistics are:
| Player | Passing (C/ATT, YDS, TD) | Rushing (CAR, YDS, TD) | Receiving (REC, YDS, TD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Wood (QB) | 16/23, 180, 1 | – | – |
| Bryson Donelson (RB) | – | 15, 82, 1 | 3, 28, 1 |
| Mac Dalena (WR) | – | – | 6, 118, 0 |
- Joshua Wood performed admirably in place of Mikey Keene, completing 16 of 23 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown.
- Bryson Donelson was a dual-threat, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown while adding 28 receiving yards and another score, making him Fresno State’s most impactful player.
- Mac Dalena led the receiving corps with six catches for 118 yards, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the season.
Defense
Specific defensive statistics for Fresno State were not detailed in available sources. However, the Bulldogs forced one interception and made several key stops, including a goal-line stand in regulation. Despite these efforts, they couldn’t prevent NIU’s overtime scores, particularly the decisive touchdown in double overtime.
Impact of Opt-Outs and Transfers
Both teams faced significant challenges due to player absences. NIU was without starting quarterback Ethan Hampton, who transferred to Illinois, and receiver Trayvon Rudolph, among others. Fresno State was missing starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who transferred to Michigan, and 13 other players, including receivers Jalen Moss and Raylen Sharpe. These absences forced both teams to rely on backups, contributing to the game’s competitive, low-scoring nature. The resilience of players like Holst, Dimopoulos, Wood, and Donelson highlighted the depth of both programs.
Team Statistics Comparison
The following table compares team-level statistics:
| Category | NIU | Fresno State |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 368 | 328 |
| Passing Yards | 207 | 211 |
| Rushing Yards | 161 | 117 |
| First Downs | 24 | 17 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 39:14 | 20:46 |
| Third Down Conversions | 4/16 (25.0%) | 3/10 (30.0%) |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 4/6 (66.7%) | 0/2 (0.0%) |
NIU’s dominance in time of possession and first downs reflects their ability to control the game’s pace, while Fresno State’s higher yards per play (5.9 vs. 4.7) indicates efficiency despite fewer opportunities.
Conclusion
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 23, 2024, was a testament to the resilience of Northern Illinois and Fresno State, both navigating significant player absences. NIU’s 28-20 victory, secured by a dramatic double-overtime touchdown pass from George Dimopoulos to Dane Pardridge, highlighted the Huskies’ depth and determination. Fresno State’s Bryson Donelson and Mac Dalena delivered standout performances, but the Bulldogs fell short in the clutch. This game underscored the unpredictable nature of bowl season, where emerging talents can shine under pressure.
