The game was there for the taking, and he grabbed it. Meanwhile, the Bobcats saw another potential big win slip through their fingers.

Northern Illinois overcame a 21-9 fourth-quarter deficit and stunned visiting Ohio, 24-21, at chilly Huskie Stadium on Saturday. NIU (4-3, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) gained 148 yards in the fourth quarter, and created three second-half turnovers to turn aside and deflate the Bobcats (3-3, 1-1 MAC).

LOADING…

Smith, the Huskies’ All-American defensive end, was the catalyst. With Ohio ahead, 21-16, and driving, Smith ambushed Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke for a sack, popped the ball free and claimed it.