CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — In between landing a No. 6 FCS committee reveal ranking and a hyped road game last week, Northern Iowa had to handle business against lowly Indiana State. It’s been a rough year for the Sycamores. Perfect time to pounce on a tension-free win.
Instead, the Panthers slept-walk through a sluggish afternoon. Saturday’s pedestrian 17-9 win at the UNI-Dome featured little offensive rhythm and few fireworks.
Early evidence seemed to indicate a different narrative. Quarterback Will McElvain and the Panthers piled up 112 yards on their first two possessions. The drives resulted in just three points thanks to a derailing blindside block penalty.