Panthers Roll South Dakota Behind Weston's Record Day

Saturday, October 19

Cedar Falls, Iowa

4 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

South Dakota

Photo by: Carla Wehmeyer

Panthers Roll South Dakota Behind Weston's Record Day

10/19/2019 10:02:00 PM | Football

Box Score Sidebar: Big Plays Lead to Panther Win Photo Gallery

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Isaiah Weston scored three touchdowns to tie the UNI-Dome record for receiving touchdowns in a game and put up a career-high 189 yards receiving to lead No. 14 UNI to a 42-27 win over South Dakota Saturday evening in Cedar Falls.

The game looked like it was going to be a boat race out of the gate when the two teams combined for five touchdowns in the first quarter. South Dakota State got on the board first with a rushing touchdown with 10:29 to play in the quarter, capitalizing on a UNI turnover.

The Panthers responded with a big 62-yard toss from Will McElvain to Weston to set up an 8-yard TD to Weston just two plays later. South Dakota regained the lead less than a minute later on a 56-yard touchdown pass, but the Panthers responded again.

McElvain scrambled for a 70-yard run which set up an 8-yard touchdown run for Tyler Hoosman, the first of his two on the day. The Coyotes again responded with a score with 1:50 left in the quarter to take a 21-14 lead into the second frame.

UNI tied the game on a 16-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Austin Evans, the first pick-six of his career, to tie the game up at 21. USD added a field goal with 5:05 to play in the second to regain the lead, 24-21 at the half.

The Panthers opened the scoring in the second half with another touchdown from McElvain to Weston, this time a 65-yarder with 13:45 to play in the third to give UNI a 28-24 lead that they would not relinquish.
Weston found the end zone for the third time on a 54-yard TD with 7:57 left in the third to give the Panthers a 35-24 lead. South Dakota hit a 30-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining in the third to cut the lead to 35-27.

UNI closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter with a one-yard TD for Hoosman to give the Panthers the 15-point win.

The Panthers racked up a season-high 417 yards on the day with 204 coming on the ground and 213 yards through the air. Hoosman ran for a career-high 111 yards and two TDs on 24 carries. McElvain also added 59 yards rushing and tallied 213 yards passing and three TDs on 8-17 passing.

The Panther defense did not give up a touchdown after the South Dakota TD early in the second quarter. They also tallied six turnovers, three fumble recoveries, and three interceptions.

UNI tallied 5.0 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss. Jared Brinkman notched 2.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. Chris Kolarevic recorded a career-high 19 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. Elerson G. Smith continued his stellar play with a strip-sack in the fourth quarter, sick tackles and a QB hit.

The Panthers moved to 4-3 on the year and are now 4-0 in the Dome. UNI is on the road for the next two games beginning next week at Missouri State. The next home game for the Panthers will be on Nov. 9 against Indiana State.

NOTES
- Isaiah Weston recorded the two longest receptions of his career. He opened the game with a 62-yard reception before notching a 65-yarder in the third quarter. His previous long was 59 yards against South Dakota in 2017.
- The 62 and 65-yarders were also career-long passes for Will McElvain.
- Will McElvain's 70-yard rush is the longest of his career.
- Roosevelt Lawrence recorded his first interception of the season.
- Nate Murphy stepped into punting duties and recorded a 50-yarder, which led to a muffed punt on his first punt of the day.
- Austin Evans recorded first career pick-6.
- Austin Evans 16-yard pick 6 is UNI's first pick 6 of the season.
- Aaron Graham 38- yard rush is the longest of his career.
- Isaiah Weston recorded three touchdowns in one game, his career-high. His previous best was two against South Dakota in 2017.
- In two career games against South Dakota, Weston has seven receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns.
- Will McElvain passed for 200 yards. In seven games, he has thrown for over 200 yards six times.
- Isaiah Weston recorded career-high receiving yards with 189. He has recorded a career-high in receiving yards in the three consecutive games (108 against Youngstown State, 129 against North Dakota State and 189 against South Dakota.)
- Caden Houghtelling recorded first career sack.
- Chris Kolarevic recorded a career-high 19 tackles.
- Jevon Brekke recorded 10 tackles, his career-high.
- Jared Brinkman recorded career-high 3 tackles for loss.
- UNI recorded team rushing high on the season with 204 yards.
- Tyler Hoosman with career-high two touchdowns.
- Tyler Hoosman recorded career-high rushing yards with 111.
- Isaiah Weston tied the Dome recorded with three receiving touchdowns.
- Hoosman is the first running back to rush 100 yards in a game this season.
- Christian Jegen recorded first career interception.