Rocky Lombardi left Michigan State after 2020 and transferred to Northern Illinois. On Saturday, Lombardi guided the Huskies to a MAC title and a 9-win season.

It was a game that saw NIU do a lot of its damage on the ground. Lombardi only went 7-for-15 with 102 yards, but his work on the ground proved crucial.

The Huskies racked up 266 yards rushing vs. Kent State with 3 rushing touchdowns credited to Lombardi. Late in the 4th quarter, it was Lombardi’s 3rd score of the game that iced things away.

He took the keeper around the left side of the line and walked into the end zone untouched:

The Huskers are now 9-4 with a conference championship after going 0-6 during the shortened 2020 campaign. Northern Illinois will now await its bowl destination in the postseason. NIU is eligible for a bowl for the first time since 2018.