MAC Championship: Northern Illinois vs Kent State: Live Score, Results, Analysis

Northern Illinois 44 Kent State 37  - Final Score

The No. 21 Northern Illinois overcame three turnovers and a furious comeback by the No. 17 Kent State Golden Flashes in the final five minutes of regulation to become the Mid-American Conference champions for a second straight year.

Despite out-gaining the Golden Flashes 524-260 in total yardage, Northern Illinois' defense gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter and Kent State scored a defensive touchdown to help keep its BCS bowl hopes alive for as long as possible.

Kent State had no answer for junior dual-threat quarterback Jordan Lynch, though. The MAC's offensive player of the year finished the game with 372 total yards and four touchdowns.

Lynch also broke Denard Robinson's single-season record for most rushing yards by a quarterback on a 44-yard rush in the third quarter.

Northern Illinois held Kent State's dynamic duo of Trayion Durham and Dri Archer to a combined 87 yards and one touchdown. Both running backs entered the game with more than 1,000 yards apiece on the ground.

The Huskies now have an outside shot at a BCS bowl berth if the Texas Longhorns, Boise State Broncos and UCLA Bruins suffer losses in their respective games this weekend.

Also, be sure to check out the 10 things we learned about Northern Illinois' victory over Kent State.