RedHawks Retain Mallory Cup With 29-23 Win Over NIU

Wednesday, November 16

DeKalb, Ill.

7 p.m.

Miami University

5-6 , 3-4

Northern Illinois

3-8 , 2-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Miami (OH)

NIU

RedHawks Retain Mallory Cup With 29-23 Win Over NIU

11/16/2022 10:33:00 PM | Football

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DEKALB, Ill. -- Aveon Smith threw for 185 yards and one touchdown and added 105 yards on the ground and two scores as the RedHawks downed the Northern Illinois Huskies 29-23 on Wednesday evening at Huskie Stadium. With the win, Miami improves to 5-6 overall and 3-4 in Mid-American Conference. NIU is now 3-8 (2-5 MAC).

Miami finished the contest with 171 yards rushing, maintained the ball for 34:32 and were 7-of-17 on third downs (NIU was 0-for-9). Mac Hippenhammer added 105 receiving yards and a touchdown and Matthew Salopek, Michael Dowell and Ryan McWood each had eight tackles to lead the defensive unit.

How It Happened:

Northern Illinois scored the game's first 10 points and led 10-0 with 4:45 left in the first quarter.
Following a 47-yard punt from Dom Dzioban that was downed inside the NIU 3-yard line, Corey Suttle forced a fumble two plays later in the Huskies end zone resulting in a safety.
A 10-yard touchdown run from Smith capped a 49-yard drive as the RedHawks trailed 10-9 with 4:39 remaining in the first half.
After Miami's defense forced a three-and-out, Suttle blocked a punt, spotting the ball at Miami's 49-yard line. Five plays later, Smith scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown for a 16-10 RedHawk advantage.
NIU scored to open the second half, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown reception, and reclaimed the lead, 17-16.
On the ensuing drive, Graham Nicholson drilled a 44-yard field goal. Miami led 19-17 with 8:34 left in the third quarter.
Smith hooked up with Hippenhammer on a 47-yard touchdown down the left sideline, spotting the RedHawks a 26-17 lead with less than a minute remaining in the third.
Just 42 seconds later NIU split the Miami defense for an 86-yard rushing touchdown. NIU failed to connect on the extra point and Miami led 26-23 heading to the fourth.
Nicholson's second field goal of the game, this time from 24 yards out, pushed Miami's advantage to 29-23 with 9:02 to play.
With the Huskies nearing the red zone, John Saunders Jr. ended the NIU threat with a diving interception with 4:43 left in the contest. Miami's offense did the rest, running out the final minutes with a strong rushing attack.

Game Notes:

Suttle's first quarter safety was Miami's first since Myles Reid scored a safety at Ohio State in 2019.
Hippenhammer finished the contest with five catches for 105 yards. He has now surpassed 100 yards receiving in two straight games.
Saunders recorded his second interception of the season.

Up Next:
Miami wraps up the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 22 with a 7 p.m. contest at home versus Ball State.

Deposits for the 2023 football season are now being accepted. For just $30 a ticket, fans can secure their season tickets at Yager Stadium for all five home games. Click HERE to place your deposit!