Josh Harris made an early case for Heisman recognition Saturday in Bowling Green's 27-26 upset victory against No. 16 Purdue.
The Falcons' quarterback led his team on a game-winning drive, clinching the victory with a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Charles Sharon with 2:08 left.
As the game ended, the Falcons raced off the field with their helmets raised. Coach Gregg Brandon clapped his hands and thanked his players for Bowling Green's first victory against a ranked opponent since Sept. 16, 1972. That victory came against No. 18 Purdue, 17-14.
It was Harris's day, though. He delivered 357 passing yards against the Boilermakers. The senior finished 22-of-40 with three touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 19 times for 34 yards.
The game-winning score came with Bowling Green facing a fourth-and-14 situation. Harris avoided a sack by stepping up in the pocket and throwing the ball just before he was hit. Sharon dove and caught it in the end zone between four Purdue defenders.
Purdue had chances to win the game but could not convert. Quarterback Kyle Orton overthrew wide receiver Anthony Chambers with 1:05 to go, and wide receiver John Standeford dropped what would have been a long touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Northern Illinois defeats No.14 Maryland
An unusual interception brought another Mid-American Conference team to an upset victory against a ranked opponent.
Northern Illinois defeated No. 14 Maryland 20-13 in overtime two weeks ago in Dekalb, Ill.
Northern Illinois cornerback Randee Drew intercepted a pass from Maryland quarterback Scott McBrien after the ball bounced off the leg of another Huskie defender.
It took the Huskies a moment to realize what had happened. The entire team rushed the field to celebrate its third win ever against a ranked opponent.
Northern Illinois got the ball first in overtime and scored on that possession when quarterback Josh Haldi threw a 20-yard touchdown to wide receiver Dan Sheldon. Sheldon caught Haldi's pass at the 15-yard line, spun around a defender and raced into the end zone for the game-winning score.
Northern Illinois had a chance to win the game in regulation but kicker Steve Azar's 43-yard field goal attempt was blocked with 1.3 seconds left in the game.
Maryland is the highest-ranked opponent Northern Illinois has ever beaten. The Huskies defeated No. 20 Bowling Green last year and beat No. 24 Fresno State in 1990.
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