N. Illinois wins MAC championship 41-23 over Kent St.
Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi reacts towards the fans after scoring on a 1-yard run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi reacts towards the fans after scoring on a 1-yard run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:49 PM EST
Kent State running back Xavier Williams rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Kent State running back Xavier Williams rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:32 PM EST
Northern Illinois running back Jay Ducker (8) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois running back Jay Ducker (8) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:33 PM EST
Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock walks the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock walks the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:37 PM EST
Northern Illinois running back Clint Ratkovich (25) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois running back Clint Ratkovich (25) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:46 PM EST
CORRECTS ID TO ANTARIO BROWN NOT JAMES ESTER - Northern Illinois' Antario Brown rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

CORRECTS ID TO ANTARIO BROWN NOT JAMES ESTER - Northern Illinois' Antario Brown rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 02:05 PM EST
Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:37 PM EST
Kent State cornerback Elvis Hines, left, stops Northern Illinois running back Jay Ducker (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Kent State cornerback Elvis Hines, left, stops Northern Illinois running back Jay Ducker (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:33 PM EST
Northern Illinois Northern Illinois wide receiver Cole Tucker is tackled by Kent State safety Nico Bolden (24) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois Northern Illinois wide receiver Cole Tucker is tackled by Kent State safety Nico Bolden (24) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:37 PM EST
Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Dec. 04, 2021 01:38 PM EST