Rocky Lombardi left Michigan State looking for a fresh start. Nearly a year later, the QB leads Northern Illinois into the MAC championship game against Kent State.

Lombardi landed in DeKalb, Ill., after being recruited by the program out of high school by former coach Rod Carey, who is now leading Temple. Lombardi connected with the program again last winter thanks to offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness, who knows his dad, Tony, a longtime football coach.