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North Carolina State University

MAC championship pits NC State coaching targets

By Associated Press

Dec 1, 2012

DETROIT — The committee searching for the next head football coach at North Carolina State University had plenty to see during the MAC Championship Friday. Both coaches involved are thought to be candidates to head up the Wolfpack.

Northern Illinois coach Dave Doeren may have bigger fish to fry. After leading his Huskies to a 22-4 record over two years and two straight conference championships, Doeren thinks his team deserves to be in the BCS conversation.

"You look at the top 16 teams in the BCS, and you aren't going to find a team that plays as consistently as we do, wins every game they are supposed to win, and plays as well as we do in every phase of the game," he said.

"We got big plays on offense when we needed them tonight, we got big plays on defense, and our kicker made every kick we needed. I don't know anyone else who brings all of that."

Jordan Lynch ran for three touchdowns, including a 2-yarder in the second overtime, and Demetrius Stone's interception in the end zone gave No. 19 Northern Illinois the 44-37 victory over No. 18 Kent State.

Both teams were hoping a win would boost them into the top 16 of the BCS rankings and give them a berth in one of college football's marquee bowls. Kent State was No. 17 in those standings coming in. The Huskies were No. 21 and need an unlikely jump.

On the other sideline, Kent State coach Darrell Hazell is also believed to be getting a look from the Wolfpack. He's 48 years old and has the Golden Flashes (11-2) headed for their first bowl appearance since 1972. 

Hazell has a 16-9 record at Kent State over two years. 

• Reporter: Jeff Gravley
• Web Editor: Jodi Leese Glusco