On October 14, 2006, Matt Lasher lined up for a 32-yard field goal at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. It’s the moment college kickers simultaneously dream of and dread, depending on the ensuing result of the kick. But under the lights in Big Ten country with five ticks remaining in the clock’s lifespan, Lasher drained his attempt at glory. When those five seconds exhausted shortly thereafter, it became official — the Ohio Bobcats defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini.
What was unknown at the time 17 years ago was that Lasher’s game-winning kick would initiate a prosperous era of MAC football.