University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Illinois State
Panthers to host Illinois State in Military Appreciation weekend matchup
11/7/2024 7:08:00 PM | Football
UNI football welcomes the Redbirds of Illinois State to the UNI-Dome in the Panthers’ sixth MVFC clash of the season.
UNI football (2-7 / 0-5 MVFC) vs Illinois State (6-3 / 3-2 MVFC)
- 1 p.m. CT | Nov. 9, 2024
- Cedar Falls, Iowa | UNI-Dome (16,324)
- ESPN+ (Brad Wells: Play-by-play, Justin Surrency: Analyst)
- Panther Sports Radio Network | (J.W. Cox: Play-by-Play / Scott Peterson: Analyst)
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI Panther football team plays host to the Redbirds of Illinois State on Saturday, November 9 in the Panthers' sixth conference matchup of the season.
The Panthers are coming off a 19-42 loss at no. 1 North Dakota State on November 2. In that matchup, Matthew Schecklman finished with 270 yards, tying his career high, on 22-32 passing and two touchdowns. Sergio Morancy put up 102 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions. Tye Edwards led the Panther ground game with 48 yards on 12 carries. Tate Sander led the defense with 11 tackles on the day.
The two-point conversion in the third quarter from Matthew Schecklman to Brady McCullough was the Panthers' first two-point conversion since a matchup with North Dakota State on April 10, 2021 (COVID 2020 season played in the Spring of 2021). Titus Cram's 25-yard reception in the third quarter was the first reception of his career. The game was the first time since week one of the 2018 season at Montana that the Panthers were successful on two, two-point attempts. Sergio Morancy finished the game with 102 receiving yards. He is the first Panther this season to eclipse 100 yards in a single game.
This will be the 40th overall meeting between the Panthers and the Redbirds. The Panthers are 4-2 in the last six matchups as well as 2-1 inside the UNI-Dome in the same timeframe.
Illinois State will begin a two-game road swing this weekend in Cedar Falls when the Redbirds take on the Panthers in another crucial game for ISU's playoff chances. The Redbirds are coming off a 23-16 defeat of the Youngstown State Penguins on Military Appreciation Day at Hancock Stadium.
Linebacker Amir Abdullah recorded six tackles, 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss in his first game back since suffering a leg injury in the season opener at Iowa. Middle linebacker Tye Niekamp paced the Redbird defense with 11 tackles and recorded his third interception of the season. Rittenhouse was solid once again for the Redbirds, completing 15-of-19 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 30 yards and a score. Wright recorded his fourth 100-plus rushing yard effort of the season, with 104 yards on 10 carries against the Penguins. Daniel Sobkowicz led all receivers with four receptions for 81 yards, with a long grab of 44 yards. Freshman tailback Matt Lawson was impressive once again, as he averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the day and finished with 68 yards on 13 carries with a long run of 23 yards.
UNI Athletics is proud to offer the Hy-Vee Fan Zone located on the north side of the West Dome lot on Saturday. The hassle-free tailgate experience features live music and free food samples, drinks and beer for sale. Fans can arrive at the Fan Zone at 10:00 a.m. and stay until 12:30 pm.
Panther fans with a football ticket will also be granted entry to the UNI volleyball game inside the McLeod Center as the Panthers take on the Beacons of Valparaiso. First serve is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
UNI football action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Football), X (@UNIFootball) and on Instagram (@unipantherfootball). The full 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
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