Luers alum Hammock guides NIU to bowl win

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – In a thrilling and tense matchup at the Idaho Potato Bowl, Northern Illinois (NIU) secured a 28-20 victory over Fresno State in double overtime, thanks to an outstanding offensive play from freshman George Dimopoulos and a decisive defensive stand by Jordan Hansen. This victory was particularly significant as NIU was coached by Thomas Hammock, a graduate of Bishop Luers, who led his team to an impressive win.

The decisive play came on the first offensive snap of the second overtime when Dimopoulos, a freshman wide receiver, threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge, giving NIU a crucial lead. Dimopoulos, who had previously played quarterback in high school, also contributed a two-point conversion by passing to quarterback Josh Holst, marking his second completion of the season. This was a notable moment as it highlighted Dimopoulos’ versatility and ability to deliver under pressure, even though his primary role is as a wide receiver.

On the other side of the ball, Holst, a freshman walk-on, was starting only his third game at quarterback in place of the injured starter Ethan Hampton, who had accumulated 1,600 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions prior to the game. Holst was called into action after Hampton’s injury and rose to the occasion. Despite a rocky start, where he threw an interception on the first play of the game, Holst completed 18 of 30 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, playing a key role in his team’s victory.

Defensively, NIU was just as impressive. With the game entering its final moments in the second overtime, the Huskies displayed resilience and strength. Jordan Hansen made a critical fourth-down sack to halt Fresno State’s offense and effectively end the game, securing the victory for Northern Illinois.

This victory brought Northern Illinois to an 8-5 season record, capping off a successful campaign. The win also underscored the leadership of coach Thomas Hammock, who has built a strong, competitive team. Despite the challenges and key injuries, including the absence of their starting quarterback, NIU’s offense and defense rose to the occasion, cementing their place in Idaho Potato Bowl history with a memorable win.