CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — On a night that began with maximum Northern Iowa excitement, it ended with a crushing Panthers loss.
South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr. caught the go-ahead touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining, lifting the Jackrabbits to a 24-20 win Friday night at the UNI-Dome in what was the second game of the FCS' 2021 spring season.
UNI's defensive effort was stout all evening until an untimely late meltdown. The Panthers let South Dakota State get loose for a wide-open wheel route that moved the Jackrabbits into goal-to-go territory with 1:25 left.