Panther Football Hosts Youngstown State in Top-25 Tilt

For the second time in two weeks, the Panthers face a ranked team. This time it will be against undefeated Youngstown State for the Valley Football opener and homecoming. UNI is coming off of a tough road loss at No. 5/6 Weber State and looks to bounce back against a team that has dominated their non-conference schedule. The Penguins are 4-0, but haven't won in the UNI-Dome against a Mark Farley coached team. The Panthers lead the series 22-8, but the series is 3-3 over the last six meetings. Both teams are in the top-15 in the country for total defense.

•The Panthers defense put up a stellar effort and held Weber State to just one offensive yard in the second half, but early turnovers led to an insurmountable Weber State lead and the Wildcats earned the 29-17 win. Offensively, Will McElvain became the first Panther to run for 100 yards and pass for 100 yards since the 2016 season. Matthew Cook hit a 35-yard field goal to stay perfect on the season (9-9). Isiah Weston scored his third touchdown in as many games.

• The win over Southern Utah was Head coach Mark Farley's 150th career victory. He is the winningest coach in UNI and Missouri Valley Football History and the 10th coach in FCS history with 150 FCS victories.

• The UNI defense is proving to be one the best in the FCS. UNI is 12th in total defense, 21st in scoring defense, 16th in sacks and 20th in first down defense.

• The Panthers have eight offensive touchdowns so far this season and a freshman was involved in every single one. Redshirt freshman quarterback Will McElvain has seven TD passes to his name and UNI's lone rushing TD came from true freshman Nick McCabe.

• After being named the STATS FCS National Special Teams Player of the Week in week one, Matthew Cook remains perfect at 9-9 on the season. He is also 9-9 in PATs for a team-high 36 points. He is 3-3 on the year on field goals over 40 yards.

• The Panthers have earned a Missouri Valley Player of the Week honor after each game this season. Cook was named the Special Teams Player of the Week after the Iowa State game, McElvain earned Newcomer of the Week honors after the Southern Utah game and Elerson G. Smith was named the Defensive Player of the Week after the Idaho State win. Against Weber State, McElvain earned his second newcomer of the Week honor and Chris Kolarvic picked up Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Panther Football Hosts Youngstown State in Top-25 Tilt

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Matthew Cook

Nick McCabe

Will McElvain

Elerson G. Smith

Upcoming Events

University of Northern Iowa Athletics