NIU started out with a great opening drive, accented by a personal foul on Florida State. But a three-and-out forced NIU to punt. The Seminoles' opening drive was brutal and merciless, moving the ball well. No huge plays but it was methodically demoralizing. And then a fumble happened. Rashaan Melvin got his helmet on the ball on a 3rd and 1 reception, jarring it loose and recovering the ball.
But they couldn't capitalize. NIU was stuffed and on a 4th and 1, they had Jordan Lynch punt it away.