University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
9-2 , 7-1
Indiana State
0-11 , 0-7-7
UNI Claims Share of MVFC Crown With 28-0 Shutout at Indiana State
11/15/2008 7:00:00 AM | Football
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The No. 4-ranked University of Northern Iowa football team captured at least a share of its 14th Missouri Valley Football Conference championship with a 28-0 win on Saturday over Indiana State University. It marks the first time since the 1995 and 1996 seasons that UNI has won or shared back-to-back league championships.
The Panthers ran their win streak to seven in a row and improved to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the MVFC. UNI also recorded its second straight shutout; the first time a Panther football team has recorded back-to-back shutout wins since the 1971 season when UNI scored a 23-0 win at South Dakota State (Sept. 25, 1971) and an 8-0 win over South Dakota (Oct. 2, 1971).
The Panthers dented the scoreboard first on a three-yard score by junior Derrick Law with 34 seconds left in the first quarter. Law's sixth rushing touchdown of the season capped a five-play, 27-yard drive that was set up by a 16-yard punt return by redshirt freshman Josh Collins.
UNI increased the lead to 14-0 on a three-yard touchdown run by senior Corey Lewis with 5:48 remaining in the second quarter. Collins again set up the Panthers with a short field after returning a punt 29 yards to the Indiana State 46-yard line.
The Panthers struck again before the half on a 21-yard touchdown on a screen pass from Zach Davis to Lewis. The Panther defense had held the Sycamores on a fourth-and-one at the UNI 40. Law then rushed twice for 24 yards and the Sycamores committed a pass interference penalty to put the ball at the Indiana State 21-yard line. Lewis' score came with 1:00 left in the first half.
Sophomore linebacker Jamar Thompson got the Panthers back in scoring position in the third quarter after he intercepted a Ryan Roberts pass and returned it 13 yards to the Indiana State 19-yard line. The Panthers drove the ball inside the five-yard line and lined up to attempt a 20-yard field goal by Billy Hallgren. However, a bad snap Stacy Chinander caused the Panther holder Ben Schmidt to cover up the ball at the 14-yard line and turn the ball over on downs to the Sycamores.
UNI added its fourth touchdown of the day when Lewis scored from a yard out with 10:05 left in the fourth quarter to give UNI a 28-0 advantage. A 52-yard pass play from Davis to freshman Jarred Herring put the ball at the one-yard line prior to Lewis' score.
The UNI defense extended its consecutive quarters of not allowing a touchdown to 12 in the game and limited Indiana State to only 125 yards of total offense. The Panthers held the Sycramores to 19 passing yards and 106 rushing yards.
The Panther offense was led by Law, who rushed for a game-high 89 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown. Lewis rushed 19 times for 78 yards and two scores. Lewis also added a receiving touchdown. Davis passed for 111 yards on 6-of-11 passing and added a touchdown through the air. Junior Josh Mahoney led the defensive charge with 10 total tackles.
UNI will close the regular season next Saturday in Cedar City, Utah, when the Panthers take on the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (Central) at Eccles Coliseum.
Team Stats
UNI 7, INS 0
UNI - Law, Derrick 3 yd run (Hallgren, Billy kick), 5 plays, 27 yards, TOP 2:31
UNI 14, INS 0
UNI - Lewis, Corey 3 yd run (Hallgren, Billy kick), 5 plays, 46 yards, TOP 1:53
UNI 21, INS 0
UNI - Lewis, Corey 21 yd pass from Davis, Zach (Hallgren, Billy kick) 3 plays, 60 yards, TOP 0:42
UNI 28, INS 0
UNI - Lewis, Corey 1 yd run (Hallgren, Billy kick), 3 plays, 55 yards, TOP 1:09