University of Northern Iowa
Southern Illinois
Panthers Slip By Salukis, 25-24
11/12/2005 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 12, 2005
PANTHERS SLIP BY SALUKIS, 25-24
Cedar Falls, IA--Shades of Tom Petrie to Marlus Mays echoed through the raucous UNI-Dome as Eric Sanders fired a 35-yard touchdown strike on fourth and two to Jamie Goodwin to give the University of Northern Iowa football team a 25-24 victory over third ranked Southern Illinois. The win secures the Panthers a share of the Gateway Football Conference crown and an automatic bid to the Division 1-AA playoffs.
The Panthers and Salukis chewed through the first quarter quickly, trading long drives and finishing the period with the Salukis on top 3-0.
SIU took a 10-point advantage midway through the second quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run by Arkee Whitlock. The Panthers answered quickly when Sanders found Goodwin for a 32-yard touchdown connection to bring UNI within three. SIU extended its lead late in the quarter with a 25-yard touchdown reception by Kellen Allen, and took a 17-10 advantage into the locker rooms.
The Panthers drove 55 yards in 13 plays to set up a 46-yard field goal by Brian Wingert to put the score at 17-10. SIU took a two-touchdown lead on its next possession, driving 68 yards to pay dirt to secure a 24-10 advantage as the third quarter came to a close.
Darin Heideman recovered a Saluki fumble to set up a 13-yard touchdown strike from Sanders to Hunter. After a failed two-point conversion, the Panthers trailed 24-19.
The Panther defense stuffed the Saluki attack and forced a punt with just under five minutes remaining in the contest. Sanders rushed for seven yards on first down and threw an incomplete pass on second down, while David Horne rushed for a gain of one on third down to set up the climactic fourth and two conversion. Sanders found Goodwin for the second 30-plus yard touchdown of the game to put UNI ahead 25-24 with 2:38 remaining.
The Panther defense stood tall, forcing a fourth and four situation with a massive and rowdy crowd behind it. Heideman played hero for UNI, dropping Whitlock a yard short of the marker and capturing the victory for the Panthers.
"That was awesome," said head coach Mark Farley. "That one play exemplified the determination of this team."
Heideman led the defense with seven solo tackles, including the deciding shot to Whitlock. The senior added four assists and a fumble recovery. Tanner Varner, John Hermann and Kevin Stensrud added a sack each to the UNI total.
Sanders was clutch in a tense contest, finishing 22-33 for 272 yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive strike to Goodwin.
"Big time players make big time plays," Farley continued. "And Sanders and Goodwin made a big time play."
Goodwin led all receivers with 90 yards and two touchdowns. Patrick Hunter finished the night with five catches for 68 yards and a score.
Horne did the heavy lifting in the rushing department, carrying 22 times for 103 yards.
"This is a special team with a load of determination," Farley said. "We've had three gutsy wins in a row, two of which coming from behind."
"The Dome was the difference," he added. "There's now a new game people can say was one of the best ever played in this building."
The 7-3 Panthers host Northern Arizona next week at 5:05 p.m.
