Marshall vs. Northern Illinois: Score, Twitter Reaction for 2014 Boca Raton Bowl

In a battle of two teams looking for respect after outstanding seasons, Marshall (13-1) took down Northern Illinois (11-3), 52-23, to claim the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl.

Marshall Football provided a look at the final score and reaction from FAU Stadium:

Rakeem Cato led the Thundering Herd, going 25-of-37 with 281 passing yards, 25 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. Fellow senior Tommy Shuler also went out on a high note, with a staggering 18 receptions, 185 receiving yards and one touchdown. Devon Johnson also tallied 131 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Cato capped his illustrious career with the Herd by extending a record he set prior to Tuesday night, as ESPN Stats & Info noted:

That list includes an already successful NFL quarterback in Russell Wilson and 2014 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Needless to say, Cato has enjoyed plenty of collegiate success.

Cato's final game was an emotional one, as he wore the No. 31 jersey to honor linebacker Evan McKelvey, who suffered an ACL injury earlier this season. He also played in his hometown for his season finale, something he spoke about prior to the game.

"It is only fitting," Cato said, via Scott Alan Salomon of the Sun Sentinel. "When I found out that I was going to play my final game [in Boca Raton], I fell to my knees and thanked the Lord. ... These four years have been a blessing. I came to Marshall as a boy, and I am leaving as a man."

Grant Traylor of The Herald-Dispatch also pointed out how huge the night was for Shuler, who set several career marks:

While Cato shined during his final game, it was NIU that got the upper hand early. Drew Hare connected with Juwan Brescacin on a 19-yard touchdown that put the Huskies up with 7:33 remaining in the first.

Marshall wasted no time in responding. On the ensuing kickoff, Deandre Reaves returned it for a touchdown. ESPN College Football provided a look at the massive return:

Cato got the offense going on the next drive with a five-play, 42-yard drive that he capped with a five-yard rushing score.

Northern Illinois clawed back with two field goals in the second quarter, but a Devon Johnson rushing touchdown kept Marshall in control. The Herd carried a 24-13 lead into the half thanks to their success on the ground.

That would change in the second half, as Cato's arm stole the show.

A 24-yard Cameron Stingily rushing touchdown was sandwiched between two Cato passing touchdowns to Shuler and Angelo Jean-Louis respectively. Those were then overshadowed in the fourth quarter by a 27-yard strike to Deon-Tay McManus.

Traylor noted just how impressive the final touchdown pass was for Cato:

Even with four touchdowns at that point, Cato wasn't quite done. He capped off his huge night with yet another score on the ground, this time from four yards out after a 41-yard drive.

ESPN College Football provided a look at Cato's final touchdown of his career:

Despite the loss, Northern Illinois still has a lot to be proud of after another successful season. Heading into a huge part of the recruiting season, the Huskies can hold their heads high following a fifth straight 10-plus-win campaign.

Much like its opponent, Marshall heads into next season with a ton of confidence. Even with the loss of several senior leaders like Cato and Shuler, the Herd should be competitive again in Conference USA in 2015 and have a shot at another bowl win.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.