Roy throws late TD pass, lifts FCS-member Illinois State past Northern Illinois 28-24

Gage Roy threw a game-winning 16-yard touchdown pass to Alex Herrera with 1:53 left on the clock, propelling FCS-member Illinois State to a 28-24 victory over Northern Illinois. Roy's 20-of-23 pass completion for 146 yards also included a crucial 6-yard TD pass to Dylan Lord, which put the Redbirds ahead 21-0 in the second quarter.

Northern Illinois' Taron Dickens drove the Huskies to the Illinois State 20, but threw an interception to Doreon Dubose with just 20 seconds remaining, sealing the win for the Redbirds (3-0), who are currently ranked No. 5 in the Stats Perform poll. An Ellis' 30-yard pick-6 sparked a 17-point surge for Northern Illinois, but Telly Johnson Jr.'s 1-yard TD run from a 78-yard drive gave the Huskies a 24-21 lead with 7:24 left in the game.

Johnson rushed for 83 yards on 22 carries. DeAree Rogers contributed 74 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Huskies. Illinois State will travel to face Eastern Illinois on Saturday.