CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — Essentially facing a must-win scenario to keep its playoff hopes alive, Northern Iowa delivered a solid effort under the UNI-Dome lights.
A suffocating defensive effort limited any Illinois State threat, and kick Austin Errthum banged home four field goals to help mask some red-zone struggles. Those ingredients, along with a sprinkle of offense, propelled the Panthers to a 26-16 win Saturday afternoon.
UNI (5-4, 4-2 Missouri Valley Football Conference) surrendered a field goal on Illinois State’s opening drive, then went into lock-down mode. The Redbirds (5-4, 2-4) had just 75 yards of total offense entering the fourth quarter and went 11 consecutive drives without reaching UNI territory.