Only the fourth quarter remains as the Huskies lead 45-0. Just 15 minutes of game clock separate the Minutemen from their tenth loss of the season and 14th straight loss as a program.

UMass forces the Huskies to punt for the first time with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. Prior to this, Northern Illinois was 7-for-7 on scoring drives with six consecutive touchdowns. Minutemen still look for an offensive contribution, trailing 45-0.

Macon hits Gary Givens III from 31 yards out to put Northern Illinois up 45-0. The redshirt junior quarterback is 3-of-4 for 73 yards and a touchdown in his first collegiate start. UMass still searching for its first score with eight minutes left in the third quarter.

Jalen Macon has a hat trick, scoring his third touchdown of the game from 36 yards out. The Minutemen haven't stopped Northern Illinois once in six drive, allowing five TDs and a field goal. The Huskies lead 38-0 three minutes into the second half.

Second half getting underway in Amherst. Huskies are already across midfield just a minute into the half. Both teams picking up right where they left off.

UMass end the first half without an attempt toward the end zone on fourth down with eight seconds left in Northern Illinois territory. Huskies went 5-for-5 on scoring drives in the first half, pure dominance. Northern Illinois gets the ball coming out of half, leading 31-0.

Jalen Macon scores the Huskies' fourth touchdown of the half and his second of the game. The Minutemen have no answer for Northern Illinois, they've been outmatched from the opening kickoff. UMass trails 31-0 with 1:20 to go in the half.

Rose fumbles on the second play of UMass' drive following Wright's TD. Three rushers swarmed the Utah transfer in the backfield as everything is going Northern Illinois' way in the first half. Huskies start a new drive on the UMass 13-yard line after the 2-minute warning.

Chavon Wright punches it in at the goal line for Northern Illinois, now leading 24-0. The Minutemen are shrinking more than ever on a national stage, trailing by three possessions two minutes before half.

Northern Illinois converted its third straight 4th down, continuing to dominate in the run game. Telly Johnson Jr. rushes for 23 yards to set up first-and-goal on the UMass 4-yard line. This game is starting to get out of hand for the Minutemen with 3:59 left in the half.

Brandon Rose leads the Minutemen into opposing territory again, but Derek Morris' 49-yard field goal attempt is no good. The boot was wide right, keeping the Huskies' lead at 17-0 as they take over at their own 32-yard line. 8:22 remains in the half.

Northern Illinois converts on fouth-and-1 in its own territory, then score a 67-yard touchdown on the next play. Redshirt freshman running back Elijah Porter caught a pass up the seam with no safety ahead, scoring easily. Huskies go up 17-0 with 11 minutes left in the half.

UMass opening the second quarter by going for it on fourth-and-2 on the NIU 21-yard line. AJ Hairston had a wide-open Jake Markovich for a touchdown, but overshot him, turning the ball over on downs. Minutemen still trail 10-0 with 14 minutes to go in the half.

Seven minutes into its first time hosting MACtion, UMass trails Northern Illinois 10-0. Jalen Macon just rushed in the Huskies' first TD of the game from 13 yards out. The Minutemen have gone three-and-out on both of their drives. Follow along for more live updates!

Super excited my New England Tour, or as I prefer to say: The NET I'm visiting every D1 MCBB stadium in New England, just for the love of the game. Quinnipiac vs Yale at M&T Bank Arena should be an electric start to this season-long journey!

The Minutemen are the final winless team in the FBS, but have a chance to change that against Northern Illinois. My preview for @MDC_Sports ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/ZxkSsM7Ys5

The Minutemen showed their true offensive identity against Albany, winning 83-62. My recap with @MDC_Sports ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/hluhLLjT5g

Can't believe college hoops are finally back! Lots of great stories in here previewing the season, be sure to check them out!

If the Blue Jays lose this game, they're going to regret not having Kirk bunt with two on and no outs. You have to take runs where you can get them against such a good pitching staff.

UMass men's basketball starts its first season in the MAC in a week. Here's a preview of the new conference rivals the Minutemen face in 2025-26. My latest with @MDC_Sports⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/tomMttlfCh