We're underway a little late in Boise for the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl, the second college football contest of the 2010 postseason. Couple things to watch for today:
• Inmates running the asylum. Northern Illinois is operating on a skeleton crew staff after the departure of head coach Jerry Kill and both coordinators to Minnesota. Filling in at the head position is former linebackers coach Tom Matukewicz.
• Mighty Rouse and his Hellboy Fist. Fresno State's Robbie Rouse, the nation's No. 13 running back, is nursing both a rib injury and a broken bone in his hand, necessitating the wearing of a comically large cast that makes him look like a comic book superhero.
Right out of the gate, Matukewicz attempts to light a fire under his Huskies, calling for the offense to remain on the field for 4th-and-4. Chandler Harnish's pass falls incomplete, and the Bulldogs take over on downs. Rouse isn't getting much yardage, but the passing game seems to be working just fine: Ryan Colburn connects on passes of eight, 12, and 10 yards, and Jalen Sanders picks up some additional yardage on the ground to set up an 11-yard touchdown pass from Colburn to Jamel Hamler. With 5:40 remaining in the first quarter, Fresno State leads Northern Illinois, 7-0.
Connect with Northern Illinois fans in our live game discussion thread.
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