Gallery: Marshall defeats Northern Illinois 52-23 in first-ever Boca Raton Bowl

Max Jackson and Michelle Friswell|December 24, 2014

In front of a sellout crowd, the Marshall Thundering Herd blew out their Northern Illinois counterparts by twenty nine points, 52-23.

Marshall QB Rakeem Cato won the offensive MVP award, and linebacker Jermaine Holmes (also from Marshall) won the defensive MVP award.

In his final collegiate contest, Cato set an NCAA record with 46 consecutive games with a touchdown pass thrown.

 

During the pre-game festivities outside of FAU Stadium, Morgan Harmon runs through an inflatable football game. The Harmon family traveled to Boca Raton from DeKalb, Illinois to cheer on the Huskies. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
During the pre-game festivities outside of FAU Stadium, Morgan Harmon runs through an inflatable football game. The Harmon family traveled to Boca Raton from DeKalb, Illinois to cheer on the Huskies.

 

A 100-yard long American flag is held out during the singing of the National Anthem prior to the first-ever kick off of the Boca Raton Bowl. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
A 100-yard long American flag is held out during the singing of the National Anthem prior to the first-ever kick off of the Boca Raton Bowl.

 

Northern Illinois University wide receiver Juwan Brescacin celebrates as he scores the first touchdown of the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl held on December 24. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Northern Illinois University wide receiver Juwan Brescacin celebrates as he scores the first touchdown of the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl held on December 24.

 

Marshall wide receiver Tommy Shuler led his team in catches (18) and in total receiving yards (189) as the Thundering Herd defeated Northern Illinois 52-23. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Marshall wide receiver Tommy Shuler led his team in catches (18) and in total receiving yards (189) as the Thundering Herd defeated Northern Illinois 52-23.

 

Marshall cheerleaders perform during a pause in play. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Marshall cheerleaders perform during a pause in play.

 

NIU’s mascot, Victor E. Huskie, poses with Mission, the three-year-old Siberian husky brought to the team in 2013. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
NIU’s mascot, Victor E. Huskie, poses with Mission, the three-year-old Siberian husky brought to the team in 2013.

 

Marshall running back Remi Watson knifes through a gap for what became a 25-yard gain. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Marshall running back Remi Watson knifes through a gap for what became a 25-yard gain.

 

Da'Ron Brown (4) of the Northern Illinois Huskies throws a stiff arm to pick up yards in the second half of the Boca Raton Bowl. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Da’Ron Brown (4) of the Northern Illinois Huskies throws a stiff arm to pick up yards in the second half of the Boca Raton Bowl.

 

Known for having a strong contingent in south Florida, Marshall fans made up a significant portion of the announced 29,419 who attended the Boca Raton Bowl. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Known for having a strong contingent in south Florida, Marshall fans made up a significant portion of the announced 29,419 who attended the Boca Raton Bowl.

 

Receiver Hyleck Foster readies himself to take on Northern Illinois cornerback Paris Logan. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Receiver Hyleck Foster readies himself to take on Northern Illinois cornerback Paris Logan.

 

Deon-Tay McManus (16) of the Marshall Thundering Herd runs into the endzone after receiving a 27-yard pass from Rakeem Cato. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Deon-Tay McManus (16) of the Marshall Thundering Herd runs into the endzone after receiving a 27-yard pass from Rakeem Cato.

 

Deon-Tay McManus celebrates with Angelo Jean-Louis after he (McManus) scored a touchdown. McManus, a wide receiver from Baltimore, caught a 27-yard pass from Marshall QB Rakeem Cato, and after the extra point, the score stood at 45-20 in favor of the Thundering Herd. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Deon-Tay McManus celebrates with Angelo Jean-Louis after he (McManus) scored a touchdown. McManus, a wide receiver from Baltimore, caught a 27-yard pass from Marshall QB Rakeem Cato, and after the extra point, the score stood at 45-20 in favor of the Thundering Herd.

 

Northern Illinois Huskies fans cheer on their team in the first-ever Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday evening, Dec 23. The high in Dekalb on game day was 46.1 degrees, while the high in Boca Raton was 80.4 degrees. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Northern Illinois Huskies fans cheer on their team in the first-ever Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday evening, Dec 23. The high in Dekalb on game day was 46.1 degrees, while the high in Boca Raton was 80.4 degrees.

 

Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato (31) looks for an open receiver in the fourth quarter of play. Cato, wearing 31 to honor injured teammate Evan McKelvey, finished the game with 281 yards and three touchdowns. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato (31) looks for an open receiver in the fourth quarter of play. Cato, wearing 31 to honor injured teammate Evan McKelvey, finished the game with 281 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Two players gave head coach Doc Holliday a traditional Gatorade bath in celebration of their 52-23 win over Northern Illinois in the first-ever Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 23. Holliday agreed to an extension in principle with Marshall on the previous day. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
Two players gave head coach Doc Holliday a traditional Gatorade bath in celebration of their 52-23 win over Northern Illinois in the first-ever Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 23. Holliday agreed to an extension in principle with Marshall on the previous day.

 

Running back Devon Johnson and linebacker Cortez Carter of the Thundering Herd hold the Boca Raton Bowl trophy in front of their cheering fans. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
Running back Devon Johnson and linebacker Cortez Carter of the Thundering Herd hold the Boca Raton Bowl trophy in front of their cheering fans.

 

The offensive MVP trophy was awarded to quarterback Rakeem Cato (31) and the defensive MVP was awarded to linebacker Jermaine Holmes. Max Jackson | Photo Editor
The offensive MVP trophy was awarded to quarterback Rakeem Cato (31) and the defensive MVP was awarded to linebacker Jermaine Holme.

 

After totaling 1.5 sacks and eight tackles, Marshall linebacker Jermaine Holmes won the Boca Raton Bowl defensive MVP award. Holmes was selected to the Conference USA second team all-conference team. Michelle Friswell | Senior Editor
After totaling 1.5 sacks and eight tackles, Marshall linebacker Jermaine Holmes won the Boca Raton Bowl defensive MVP award. Holmes was selected to the Conference USA second team all-conference team.