UNI moved the football with relative ease through the air, but was limited to four Austin Errthum field goals until Duncan Ferch intercepted a Jake Kolbe pass and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown 3:07 before halftime.
The Redbirds created a turnover on the opening kickoff as Sam Fenlason found a soft spot in the UNI kickoff return team. The ball bounced at the 25, and ISU's Austin Nagel recovered.
Sparked by a 53-yard Deion McShane kickoff return, the Panthers tied it on a 30-yard field goal from Errthum.