So, ESPN has recently come up with a formula that they use to rate quarterbacks, that takes into account every play that they do something on, not just their passes (like current QB rating). I believe they introduced this last year, and, for college, they've gone back and looked at all games back to the 2004 season. So, I thought I'd present the 10 best quarterbacked games by an NIU player over the last 10 years. I'll post one a day, and if you have memories of the game, please feel free to chime in.
First off, who knew that Horvath had such a great game as a passer? I certainly didn't remember this game. In fact, this was the year that we went to the MAC championship...and lost to Akron again. What a brutal year. Ended up 7-5 overall.
As for this specific game, NIU led 14-0 after a 15 yard pass from Horvath to Hurd, and a 59 yard TD reception from Wolfe. NIU then gave up 28 straight points to Akron, before the second Horvath to Hurd TD connection right before the half. Akron took a 42-21 lead into the 4th quarter, but couldn't hold on as NIU scored 3 straight touchdowns, all passing, one each to Hurd, Brandon Davis, and Britt Davis. In overtime, NIU had the ball first but couldn't score, and Akron scored a touchdown to win it.
Horvath's stats from that day: 39/52, 486 yards, 6 touchdowns, 1 interception.
Other notables: Sam Hurd with 14 catches for 139 and 3 TDs, Garrett Wolfe with 164 total yards, and 1 TD.
For Akron, Luke Getsy had a game as well, 20/39, for 406 yards and 5 TDs. Domenik Hixon led the team in receptions with 6 for 104 and 1 TD.
This game may have pre-dated #MACtion, but certainly falls into that category.
Anyways, I'll post number 9 tomorrow. Until then...
I remember that game like it was yesterday. Pretty sure Britt caught a relatively long TD with like 10 seconds left to tie it. NIU was down big in that game.
The game against Iowa State pretty much sums up his career. He looked awful in the first half, looked great in the second half but eventually lost the game. He did have some throwing talent but made some bad decisions. He had looksies with saints and lions so they thought he had some talent as well.
#9 Chandler Harnish - Army 26 @ NIU 49 - September 3, 2011 - #751 overall - Adjusted QBR 92.5
The season opener to a very memorable season, Dave Doeren's first game, and first game of Chandler Harnish's senior year, NIU demolished Army at Huskie Stadium. Fun fact, this was the first time NIU beat a service academy.
NIU and Army traded touchdowns at the beginning of the game, but after 3 quarters, the score was NIU 49, Army 6. The first touchdown of the game came on a blocked punt, but after that, it was the Chandler Harnish show, as he spread the touchdowns to 5 different receivers, one each for Eakes, NaPalm, Akeem Daniels, Womble, and Martel Moore. Chandler added a rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Harnish's final stats: 12/19 for 195 yards and 5 TD, with 1 INT. 11 rushes for 80 yards and a TD.
Other notables: Martel Moore led in receptions with 4, but Womble had the most receiving yards with 58. Jas Hopkins ran 14 times for 138 yards.
In traditional Army style, they ran the ball 63 times for 303 yards, and did most of their damage against the NIU backups in the 4th quarter.
This is Harnish's first appearance in the top 10, but certainly not his last.
The season opener to a very memorable season, Dave Doeren's first game, and first game of Chandler Harnish's senior year, NIU demloished Army at Huskie Stadium. Fun fact, this was the first time NIU beat a service academy.
NIU and Army traded touchdowns at the beginning of the game, but after 3 quarters, the score was NIU 49, Army 6. The first touchdown of the game came on a blocked punt, but after that, it was the Chandler Harnish show, as he spread the touchdowns to 5 different receivers, one each for Eakes, NaPalm, Akeem Daniels, Womble, and Martel Moore. Chandler added a rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Harnish's final stats: 12/19 for 195 yards and 5 TD, with 1 INT. 11 rushes for 80 yards and a TD.
Other notables: Martel Moore led in receptions with 4, but Womble had the most receiving yards with 58. Jas Hopkins ran 14 times for 138 yards.
In traditional Army style, they ran the ball 63 times for 303 yards, and did most of their damage against the NIU backups in the 4th quarter.
This is Harnish's first appearance in the top 10, but certainly not his last.
I still have the Field Pass from that game. I was fortunate to have won a contest that allowed my son and I to be on the field for that game.... I believe that the blocked punt in the first quarter was by Jimmy Ward...
The season opener to a very memorable season, Dave Doeren's first game, and first game of Chandler Harnish's senior year, NIU demloished Army at Huskie Stadium. Fun fact, this was the first time NIU beat a service academy.
NIU and Army traded touchdowns at the beginning of the game, but after 3 quarters, the score was NIU 49, Army 6. The first touchdown of the game came on a blocked punt, but after that, it was the Chandler Harnish show, as he spread the touchdowns to 5 different receivers, one each for Eakes, NaPalm, Akeem Daniels, Womble, and Martel Moore. Chandler added a rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Harnish's final stats: 12/19 for 195 yards and 5 TD, with 1 INT. 11 rushes for 80 yards and a TD.
Other notables: Martel Moore led in receptions with 4, but Womble had the most receiving yards with 58. Jas Hopkins ran 14 times for 138 yards.
In traditional Army style, they ran the ball 63 times for 303 yards, and did most of their damage against the NIU backups in the 4th quarter.
This is Harnish's first appearance in the top 10, but certainly not his last.
I still have the Field Pass from that game. I was fortunate to have won a contest that allowed my son and I to be on the field for that game.... I believe that the blocked punt in the first quarter was by Jimmy Ward...
I remember the Army coach saying something to the effect of "they return a really talented roster and we have no film to study on their offense" before the game. Boy was he right lol.
The season opener to a very memorable season, Dave Doeren's first game, and first game of Chandler Harnish's senior year, NIU demloished Army at Huskie Stadium. Fun fact, this was the first time NIU beat a service academy.
NIU and Army traded touchdowns at the beginning of the game, but after 3 quarters, the score was NIU 49, Army 6. The first touchdown of the game came on a blocked punt, but after that, it was the Chandler Harnish show, as he spread the touchdowns to 5 different receivers, one each for Eakes, NaPalm, Akeem Daniels, Womble, and Martel Moore. Chandler added a rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Harnish's final stats: 12/19 for 195 yards and 5 TD, with 1 INT. 11 rushes for 80 yards and a TD.
Other notables: Martel Moore led in receptions with 4, but Womble had the most receiving yards with 58. Jas Hopkins ran 14 times for 138 yards.
In traditional Army style, they ran the ball 63 times for 303 yards, and did most of their damage against the NIU backups in the 4th quarter.
This is Harnish's first appearance in the top 10, but certainly not his last.