In a game in which UMass led almost exclusively, they come out on the losing end 31-24. It all started when the game was tied at 24 a piece. The Minutemen drive stalled on their own 22-yard line, forcing a 39-yard FG for kicker Blake Lucas. He has just snuck one inside the uprights from the same distance in the second quarter, but this time it hit the crossbar and fell short.

After both teams failed to create any scoring opportunity, the Huskies had the ball deep in their own end looking to march down the field for the win with about three minutes remaining. The drive started off with a false start and then a sack, bringing up 2nd and 26. After an incomplete pass, the Huskies figured they would run the ball and keep the playcall conservative. UMass could not wrap up the back and he took it 50 yards for the first down. On the very next play, QB Lynch threw a ball that hit Kharey Bailey-Smith in the numbers. The strong safety dropped the sure interception that would have seen him take it the distance for the win. On the very next play, the Huskies scored on a 40-yard strike.

With the game on the line, UMass moved the ball well down the field,. The Minutemen had incorporated some option into their offense and Mike Wegzyn had played beautifully all night. His only turnover thus far came on an end-of-the-half-heave that got picked off in the endzone. He scampered up the middle for a 12-gain but got popped before he could slide safely. The ball was popped loose and recovered by Northern Illinois to sure up the win.

This loss will be very tough to swallow as the Minutemen had opportunity after opportunity to seal up a home victory.