PetroSun Independence Bowl Game Highlights Can Be Seen on YouTube
January 10, 2014
Season Report Posted: January 22, 2009 04:07
The PetroSun Independence Bowl that pitted #21 Northern Iowa against #60 Florida International Golden Panthers was a blowout and now all of the big plays can be seen on YouTube Video. Click on the following links to see the quarter by quarter highlights.
Quarter 1 Highlights can be found by CLICKING HERE
Quarter 2 Highlights can be found by CLICKING HERE
Quarter 3 Highlights can be found by CLICKING HERE
Quarter 4 Highlights can be found by CLICKING HERE
Coach Pelini Stays at UNI Another Year Despite Job Offers
January 9, 2014
Season Report Posted: January 22, 2009 21:28
Coach Pelini had a second great season for UNI and again entertained job offers from Southern Miss and Troy. He declined both as his goal for every school he coaches is to win a National Championship for that school.
Pelini will get ready to go into the off-season and begin recruiting for the 2014 season.
UNI Finishes in Top 25 in All Polls
January 9, 2014
Season Report Posted: January 21, 2009 23:29
Something that UNI hasn't done before was get into the Top 25 rankings in the polls. This year they cracked the Top 25 and stayed in the Top 25 by season's end. UNI finished at #21 in the Coaches Poll, #20 in the Media Poll and BCS Polls.
UNI finished in second place in the SEC and forced the most points and allowed the least amount of points in the conference.
The Big Ten Conference finished as the strongest conference in the nation as the SEC finished at #2 strongest.
Independence Bowl Matchup: Something to Laugh At
December 30, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 21, 2009 23:17
This was the biggest blowout in any bowl's history. Many FIU fans left at halftime. This was fun for UNI to show the Bowl committee that they deserved to be in a better and bigger bowl game not against a team that was 6-6. For UNI to only have two losses in the SEC, they should have had a better bowl, but UNI will take the pretty crystal trophy home at the end.
A 21 yard pass started off the scoring and Robertson would hook up with WR Chris Peterson a total of three times, each for touchdowns. Peterson also had an 87 yard kick return for a touchdown.
Halfback Steve Jackson ran for 169 yards and five touchdowns and also returned a 68 yard punt return for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, UNI was ahead by so much that they subbed in their second string offense and defense to give players that hadn't played a game in a while to play in the bowl game.
UNI will look to have a good recruiting class during the off-season.
UNI Awarded Kindly
December 9, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 20, 2009 21:37
Four UNI players got some major awards and two of them took multiple awards home. Senior left end Eric Sampson took home the Bednarik Award (best defenseman) and the Lombardi Award (best lineman). Freshman walk-on halfback Steve Jackson took home the Doak Walker Award (best rb) and Best RET. Freshman LOLB Tony Cole took home the Dick Butkus Award (best LB) and senior kicker Jason Johnson took home the Lou Groza Award (best placekicker).
Eric Sampson finished in third place in the Heisman Voting, UNI has made another ESPN cover with freshman halfback Steve Jackson kneeling on one knee and the title reading- The Kids Are Alright: EASports Announces its All-American Teams for the 2013 Season.
The Panthers have seen their rankings go up and down but they are glad to see that they are still ranked in the Top 25. In the coaches they move down one to #21, in the media they stayed the same at #22 and they finished in the BCS standings at #21.
For the Panthers to finish where they did in the SEC and the announcement that came out today saying that SEC has won the strongest conference. There's no conference with more punch than the SEC.
Awards continue to bestow UNI as they had many on the team finish with a nod to being an All-American.
Announced to the 1st Team All-American were: * Tony Cole - FR, Outside Linebacker, * Jason Johnson - SR, kicker, * Eric Sampson - SR, right end, and * Steve Jackson - FR, halfback.
Announced to the 2nd Team All-American were: * Wesley Atkins - SR, strong safety.
The biggest surprise was the amount of UNI Freshman announced to the All-American team. Freshman All-American are: * Tony Cole - FR, Outside Linebacker, * Chris Peterson - FR, wide receiver, * Derek James - FR, cornerback, and * Steve Jackson - FR, halfback.
Finishing up with the All-Conference nods are: 1st Team All-Conference: * Tony Cole - FR, Outside Linebacker, * Chris Peterson - FR, wide receiver, * Jason Johnson - SR, kicker, * Derek James - FR, cornerback, * Eric Sampson - SR, right end, and * Steve Jackson - FR, halfback. Named to the 2nd Team All-Conference: * Wesley Atkins - SR, strong safety, * Vincent Collins - SR, tight end, and * Walter Harris - SR, left outside linebacker.
UNI To Go Bowling
December 8, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 20, 2009 21:16
The UNI Panthers have been invited to the PetroSun Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA on December 30th, 2013. The Panthers will be taking on another set of Panthers and another Florida team. The Florida International Golden Panthers (6-6) will take on #21 UNI Panthers (11-2). This will be a nationally televised game!
#20 UNI No Match For #1 Florida Gators
December 7, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 20, 2009 20:59
Even though the Florida Gator's top quarterback was out for the game, the UNI Panthers couldn't pull off the upset.
The game stats may show otherwise but the final score showed the winner and loser.
UNI had 10 more first downs, 52 more total offense yards, held Florida to -42 rushing yards, and had 149 more total yards. The one category that UNI didn't want to lead was the turnovers. UNI had seven more turnovers than the Gators. UNI threw six interceptions which proved to be the dagger in the heart for the Panthers.
UNI took the lead with four minutes left in the third quarter but Florida scored 24 unanswered points to finish off UNI and grab the SEC Championship from them. The final score, 31-10. With the win, Florida stays in the running to go to the BCS National Championship game.
UNI to Play #1 Florida Gators in SEC Championship
December 1, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 20, 2009 02:46
UNI has received an invite to play in the SEC Championship in Atlanta, GA on December 7th at 5pm versus the #1 Florida Gators who are (12-0), while the UNI Panthers are ranked #20 with an 11-1 record. This game will NOT be televised due to UNI's television probation.
UNI has also made the Week 16 ESPN Cover- Chips Are All In: The title is on the line in Atlanta
The polls stayed steady ranking UNI in the BCS at #21, Coaches-#20, and Media-#22.
Eric Sampson still ranks #4 in the Heisman Watch.
UNI has also made another ESPN Cover-Down to Three!: UNI's flashy Jackson looks to take home the Best RET.
Bowl projections remain the same for UNI. PetroSun Independence Bowl versus the Florida International Golden Panthers who are 6-6.
UNI Finishes Strong
November 30, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 16, 2009 04:08
With the victory in Ames, IA over the Iowa State Cyclones, UNI has matched their last season's overall record at 11-1.
The Cyclones proved to be fierce and stayed with the Panthers the entire game. Iowa State took the early lead in the first by a 50 yard pass to lead 7-0. UNI came back two minutes later with a run by their leading rusher Steve Jackson to tie the game up. The Panthers then took a touchdown lead with a rushing touchdown by their fullback John Patton. The Cyclones would tie up the game just before the first half ended with a 71 yard run. That would be the last time the Cyclones would tie it up. UNI scored halfway into the third quarter with a 16-yard pass from QB Leonard Robertson to freshman WR Chris Peterson. Peterson would have an outstanding day with 196 receiving yards and two touchdowns. UNI put the Cyclones away with a rushing touchdown at the end of the third quarter by halfback Steve Jackson.
UNI beats the Cyclones 28-14.
UNI is off next week and will await the announcement/invitation to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, Georgia.
UNI Has Another Great Season
November 28, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 16, 2009 04:18
With their 11th and final win in the regular season, UNI moves up one more spot in the BCS Poll to #21. UNI stays steady in the coaches and media polls at #20 (Coaches) and #22 (Media).
Their senior left end Eric Sampson moved down a spot in the Heisman Watch to a #4 ranking.
UNI again has a new bowl projection as they are now predicted to play in the PetroSun Independence Bowl on Dec. 30th, versus Florida International Golden Panthers who are a measley 6-6. The PetroSun Independence Bowl usually takes the SEC #8 team and an AT LARGE team. UNI is still looking for a much bigger bowl as they have finished as the #2 team in the SEC and can possibly finish as the #1 team if they are able to beat #1 Florida Gators who are the SEC East champions.
UNI is on a BYE week next week and will eagerly wait to see what happens after the other teams finish up their regular seasons.
UNI Keeps on Winning, Keeps on Moving Up
November 25, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 16, 2009 03:44
With their 10th win in the season, UNI continues to move up in the polls since they cracked the Top 25 three weeks ago. UNI moved up in all of them. In the BCS, UNI ranked #23 last week, this week they move up one to #22. In the Coaches, they move up two to #20 from last week. And in Media, they went from being ranked #24 last week to #22.
Their senior left end Eric Sampson jumped up two spots in the Heisman Watch to a #3 ranking.
UNI also continues to make the ESPN Magazine covers now that they are in the spotlight and in the rankings. Last week they made the Awards Finalists Cover titled In the spotlight!: Jackson makes the list of three finalists for the 2013 Walker.
UNI has a new bowl projection as they are now predicted to play in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31st versus #22 Virginia who is 10-2. The Chik-Fil-A Bowl usually takes the SEC #5 team and the ACC #2 team. UNI is still looking for a much bigger bowl as they have finished as the #2 team in the SEC and can possibly finish as the #1 team if they are able to beat #1 Florida Gators who are the SEC East champions.
UNI is also continuing to draw in more fans as their attendance increased yet again to: 14,397
UNI Wins Big, Has Fun with Playbook
November 21, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 16, 2009 03:30
UNI grabbed a 28 point lead very early in the first quarter and they decided to continue where they left off going through every play of their playbook.
UNI almost pulled off a second straight shut-out, something they haven't done before. It was a mis-covered wide receiver that broke the back of the UNI defense as they were only able to hold on to a shut-out for 7 quarters. Ole Miss scored with :52 left in the fourth quarter.
The player of the game was listed as left end Eric Sampson but Coach Pelini decided to give the game ball to kicker Jason Johnson. Not only was he 3 for 3 in the game but he now has the longest field goal this year by any team which was a 56 yard field goal kicked in the third quarter. Pelini said, "I am going to be sad to see Jason graduate but I know he will be a great kicker in the NFL! He is the leading candidate right now for the Groza Award and after today's game it should be locked up for him. Both of our kickers are seniors this year so we are going to be desperate to find a kicker at the end of the season. I'm hoping that we can find just as good as a kicker as Jason was during the off-season."
Leading UNI rusher Steve Jackson continues to impress with 108 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, UNI goes to 7-1 in the conference and wins the SEC West outright. They will face #1 and undefeated Florida Gators in the SEC Conference championship will be announced in a couple of weeks.
Next week, UNI travels to Ames, IA to face the #87 Iowa State Cyclones.
After Week 12, UNI Moves Up and into Bowl Projections
November 17, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 14, 2009 02:08
UNI's BYE Week proved to be very good for the team. Their team got the much needed rest and they improved in rankings when they didn't even play a game which was even better for them.
Beginning with the polls, UNI moved up in all of them. In the BCS, UNI ranks #23. In the Coaches, they move up one to #22 from last week. And in Media, they went from being unranked last week to #24.
Their senior left end Eric Sampson jumped back into the Heisman Watch to a #5 ranking.
Attendance stayed steady at: 13,956
UNI has finally made it into bowl projections as they are projected to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 29th versus a 6-4 Southern Miss.
UNI is excited to finally be able to play in a bowl game but they are going for a much bigger bowl as the AutoZone Liberty Bowl takes the #7 SEC team. Right now, UNI is the #2 team in the SEC. UNI would like to play in the Outback or maybe the Cotton Bowl.
Next up for UNI is #57 Ole Miss. This will be UNI's last conference game of the year. If UNI can win, the Panthers will win the SEC West and most likely go after the SEC East leader, Florida Gators in the SEC Conference Championship. If they win that game, then their chances for a much bigger bowl will increase.
UNI Gets Recognized
November 11, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 13, 2009 23:25
It begins with UNI making the ESPN Magazine covers.
Headline: Not a Sniff: UNI 9-1, 6-1 puts the brakes on Arkansas' offense, 71-0
Another cover--Semifinalist Named: The dangerous Jackson is a semifinalist for the Best RET
Final cover--A New Leader-The defensive player of the week honors go to UNI's Cole.
As for the polls, UNI goes up in two but slips out of the Media: BCS: They move up one spot to #24, Coaches, they move up one spot to #23 and in the Media they slip one spot from being ranked #25th to UNR.
LE Eric Sampson is back up to #3 in the Heisman Watch.
UNI goes on a BYE week and then the important bowl projections are announced.
#41 Arkansas Left Home Without It
November 9, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 13, 2009 22:53
Arkansas forgot to get any points before they left the game on Saturday.
For only the second time in the young season under head coach Bo Pelini, the #24 UNI Panthers have come away with a shutout and a lot of points on the offensive side.
Freshman Joel Cribbs had an interception and returned it for a 55 yard touchdown to start the scoring.
After that it was scoring by the backup kicker Ryan Washington, halfback Steve Jackson and fullback John Patton.
Starting kicker Jason Johnson injured his elbow on the opening kickoff and will miss a week which turns out to be great for UNI because next week is UNI's BYE week.
Freshman halfback Steve Jackson ran for 359 yards and six touchdowns. FB John Patton added six yards and two touchdowns.
With only one SEC conference game left to play, UNI has a good chance to win the SEC West. They are currently 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the SEC Conference. Right behind them though is the team that beat them, LSU with a 5-2 conference record. If UNI were to get beat by Ole Miss on November 21st. LSU would win the SEC West if LSU can beat Ole Miss the following week. That is because, LSU has the tie-breaker over UNI.
UNI Breaks Into Top 25 in All Polls
November 4, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 13, 2009 21:16
After a season and a half, 21 games, a record of 19-2, the UNI Panthers have finally cracked the Top 25 in the Coaches, Media and BCS Polls. UNI's highest ranking comes from the coaches at a #24. The Panthers are at #25 in the Media and BCS polls.
UNI has also increased its attendance to:13,956 reaching the maximum of 16,324. At the end of last season, UNI's attendance was a meager 5,185.
Heisman watch hopeful LE Eric Sampson has dropped out of the top five in the Heisman watch.
UNI Defeats #19 Alabama Crimson Tide
November 2, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 13, 2009 20:54
It wasn't a very exciting game but UNI had the most points at the end of the fourth quarter and that's what mattered.
Crimson Tide started the scoring but not until 1:59 left in the first quarter with a 69 yard run by Sims. UNI tied it up in the second quarter with a 46 yard pass from Robertson to Whitaker for a touchdown. Crimson Tide took the lead into halftime with a 38 yard - Field Goal.
There was no scoring in the third quarter but UNI would tie it back up in the fourth quarter with a 22-yard field goal by kicker Jason Johnson. The Panthers then would score two more times with backup halfback Clayton Matthews and a 63-yard rushing touchdown. Kicker Jason Johnson would put the cherry on top with a 26-yard field goal with only :06 left in the fourth quarter.
UNI wins the game 20-10. UNI improves to 8-1 overall and takes the lead all by themselves in the SEC West with a 5-1 record in the conference.
UNI has two conference games left before the SEC West winner will be determined.
UNI Gets Increase in Coaches Poll Votes After Win
October 28, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 12, 2009 23:11
Last week, UNI received 57 votes by the coaches and after a win over Appalachian State, UNI more than doubled their votes to 128 votes in the coaches. "If we can beat #19 Alabama next week, I think we have a very good chance of finally being ranked in the Top 25. I'm very excited about that to finally get this team in the Top 25 and give them a nice present for all of their hard work that they've given me this year," Coach Pelini said.
Their senior left end Eric Sampson also increased his number in the Heisman Watch to #3 from #4 last week.
UNI also increased their attendance to:13,320.
Next week could determine the winner of the SEC West. Right now, it's a three-way race in the SEC West. #19 Alabama and UNI are both (4-1) and LSU who has given UNI its only loss is at 3-2. Next week Alabama and UNI will go up against each other and the week after that Alabama will play LSU. These next two weeks will probably give you your SEC West winner.
#29 UNI will face #19 Alabama at the UNI Dome on Saturday, November 2nd.
#29 UNI Begins Going Through Every Play in Playbook
October 26, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 12, 2009 22:58
This was the perfect chance for the UNI Panthers to dust off some of their plays they've never run before and just practice running them. Appalachian State was not much of a match for UNI as UNI beat them mostly threw the air with 363 yards.
UNI scored through the air, ground and by foot. Kicker Jason Johnson was 3-3 on the day for field goals and he added 4-4 on extra points.
Freshman halfback Steve Jackson was held to a mere 105 rushing yards and only two touchdowns. He did add an 81 yard kick return for a touchdown as well.
UNI improves their chances with another win and another notch in the win column. UNI is now 7-1 overall and is tied with their next opponent (Alabama) in the SEC West with a 4-1 record.
Will UNI Go Bowling?
October 25, 2013
Season Report Posted: January 12, 2009 22:43
UNI has won its crucial sixth win. "Usually" teams that have at least six wins, gets a bowl bid. We'll find out this year because UNI has scheduled two FCS teams, Richmond and Appalachian State. Also confusing is the probation that UNI is under. All bowl games are usually televised and UNI is on probation for their games being televised. Will there be an exception if UNI gets a bowl bid or will UNI NOT get a bowl bid because of this reason? Last year, UNI had both probations on games being televised and being able to go to a conference championship or a bowl game and this year the latter was lifted so UNI "should" be able to go to a bowl game. We will find out in a few weeks when bowl projections are released.
After UNI's win versus Kentucky, UNI got 57 votes by the coaches.
UNI has moved up in rankings to #29 in the Coaches poll.
Senior LE Eric Sampson was also placed on the Heisman Watch at #4.
UNI Starts Slow, Pulls Off Bowl Bidding Sixth Win
October 19, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 12, 2009 22:39
The Panthers came out slow and didn't take the lead and keep it versus conference opponent Kentucky Wildcats until 1:05 left in the second quarter. Once UNI grabbed the lead and kept it, they put on a show of scoring.
Freshman halfback walk-on Steve Jackson led the way with 212 yards and four touchdowns.
Second in scoring was senior kicker Jason Johnson with 14 points (3-3 field goals and 5-5 XP made). The last six points went to senior left end Eric Sampson who had a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
UNI improves to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC West conference. Next up for UNI is FCS opponent Appalachian State at the UNI Dome.
UNI Increases...Everything
October 18, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 31, 2008 02:38
UNI will have a 5-star recruit at QB to begin the new year. Victor Welsh committed to UNI last weekend when he was at the Panthers game versus Richmond. UNI has promised Welsh a starting spot and they plan on keeping their promise because their current QB Leonard Robertson is a senior this year. UNI has a total of four QBs on their roster and 3 of 4 of those are seniors and the other is a junior.
Along with getting a 5-star recruit in the off-season, UNI has received 22 votes in the coaches poll.
UNI also continues to increase their attendance. Currently attendance is at a very impressive: 12,780.
UNI has moved up in the polls three spots to #31. They will be taking on SEC opponent #85 Kentucky. UNI will look to get that magic sixth win when they head to Kentucky. UNI is 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference.
UNI Wins Easy Versus Rival
October 12, 2013
Game Report Posted: January 05, 2009 03:31
The UNI Panthers made it look easy once again as they handed Richmond a loss.
The Panthers scored a lot and often. It started with a special teams score by HB Steve Jackson as he returned a 46 yard punt for a touchdown. Jackson then ran in for a 22 yard touchdown with no time left on the clock in the first quarter to put the Panthers up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The scoring wouldn't end there as the Panthers would score 24 in the second quarter. An 84-yard interception return by Jones, 2 1-yard run by Jackson, and a 45-yard field goal would count the scoring for the Panthers in the second quarter.
QB Lance Robertson had a passing touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters for scores as UNI won big, 52-10.
Next up for UNI is a conference game at Kentucky.
#34 UNI Faces Foe, Richmond
October 11, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 29, 2008 02:35
#34 UNI moved up four spots in the poll last week after the exciting last second field goal win over Georgia. They will take on a team that beat them in 2008 in the FCS Semi-Final game.
UNI has proved they were good enough to move into the FBS after that loss to Richmond in 2008. UNI is currently at 4-1 overall and 3-1 in SEC play.
Although this is not a conference game for UNI, it will be a much needed win to increase their chances to get a bowl bid at 6 wins.
UNI Wins by a Foot
October 5, 2013
Game Report Posted: December 31, 2008 02:11
It was another game ending field goal that won it for the UNI Panthers. "I'm confident in my team. As long as we're tied or have the lead, I can run my gameplans and usually come out on top," Coach Pelini said in a post conference.
The #38 UNI Panthers increased their wins in conference play to (3-1). They are now 4-1 overall. The magic number is now two wins to get a bowl bid. Don't think UNI is going to stop there though. Now that they are bowl eligible and conference championship eligible, they're going for the whole enchilada.
UNI Stays at #38 Ranking Despite Loss
October 4, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 27, 2008 21:16
Even though UNI almost made a historical comeback and loss, they will stay ranked #38 when they take on the #40 Georgia Bulldogs, an SEC matchup.
Last year when UNI faced Georgia in the UNI-Dome, UNI didn't score a single offensive touchdown. Rather, they returned two kick returns for touchdowns. Last year's result was UNI over Georgia 29-25. It went on to being the third highest greatest game.
Attendance continues to climb at the UNI-Dome: 12,169
UNI Close to Making Historical Comeback
September 28, 2013
Game Report Posted: December 24, 2008 02:31
UNI made it look like they didn't know how to play the game until the third quarter. "Luckily, my team didn't give up and kept trying. You could really tell how badly these players want to keep on winning" Coach Pelini said.
Most all of UNI's fans filed out in the third quarter when UNI went down 35-0 with only 2:48 left in the third quarter. Those remaining, saw one hell of a comeback!
UNI scored four touchdowns in 2:43 in the third quarter to bring them back within a touchdown going into the fourth quarter.
"At the end of the third quarter I told my team, look at what we've done. We've come back from being 35 points down in the second half to only being down by one touchdown with a full fourth quarter to go. That really pumped them up and they wanted to go out there and win that game" Pelini said. And it looked like UNI was going to do the unthinkable. With 3:29 left in the game, UNI's freshman halfback Steve Jackson ran the ball for a one yard touchdown to tie the game. Unfortunately, it's UNI's Special Teams that needs some help and work. They allowed an 89 kick return for a touchdown by LSU and that eventually led up to the game ender for UNI. With :05 left, UNI QB Steve Larkins would call a play instead of spiking the ball to stop the clock. The play led to an incomplete pass and time expired. UNI loses a close one to #16 LSU 35-42. It would be the third greatest game of Coach Pelini's career.
UNI falls to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC Conference.
#16 LSU Visits #38 UNI
September 27, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 24, 2008 00:20
With win after win, UNI continues to move up in the rankings and soon if they continue to win, they'll be in the Top 25, something all of UNI and their fans have never thought would happen in a long time.
UNI does not have an easy game coming up as they take on #16 LSU. Last year when UNI played at #7 LSU, it was an amazing victory for the UNI Panthers as they beat their first team ranked in the Top 10. They won that game easily 56-14.
Coach Pelini has thanked the fans saying, "I want to thank the fans for coming to the games and helping us win. It's because of them that really helps out when the opposing team's offense is on the field. A lot of fans in the dome can sound just as loud or louder as a team that has 100,000 plus fans in their stadium."
Pelini also said, "I'm asking for a blackout as LSU has purple in their team colors and we don't want to make them think they have a home game. They are definitely going to be seeking revenge for the blowout we gave them at their stadium last year."
UNI Stays Undefeated
September 21, 2013
Game Report Posted: December 24, 2008 00:07
Once again the UNI Panthers took the lead and never gave it up. Their offense looked very strong scoring touchdowns on the ground and in the air and they were able to use all of their weapons and bring in the backups.
It was the defense that did their job to get one of their own named NCAA Defense Player of the Week. Senior right end, Eric Sampson was named NCAA and SEC Defensive Player of the Week with 12 tackles, 12 for loss, 10 sacks and a forced fumble.
Freshman halfback Steve Jackson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week for his game stats of 114 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns were rushing and one was a kick return. The other halfback Clayton Matthews also returned a kick for a touhdown and added 60 yards on the ground along with a touchdown.
UNI's record stands at an overall 3-0 and 2-0 in the SEC West Conference.
UNI has doubled their attendance to: 9,718
#61 UNI Hosts #28 South Carolina Gamecocks
September 20, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 22, 2008 22:46
Coach Pelini has reached one of his goals in only his third game of the season. "I was hoping to get to a 60 ranking by midway through the season. We've only played two games and already we're ranked #61 so I'm very pleased with this team and with the polls."
UNI will head into the matchup versus the South Carolina Gamecocks with an overall record of 2-0 and a conference record of 1-0. UNI is on a 13-game winning streak and a 9-game conference winning streak.
UNI Wins on Last Second Field Goal
September 14, 2013
Game Report Posted: December 22, 2008 21:47
The game looked like it was going to be an easy victory for UNI but Auburn wasn't about to go out that easy especially at their own stadium.
Auburn started the game with the lead in the first quarter 3-0 but then wouldn't get the score tied until the fourth quarter. UNI had an 18 point lead at one point in the second quarter until Auburn's Landry caught a 28-yard pass from Spicer to put the game back in reach for Auburn and only be down 11 points going into halftime. UNI would score only once with a field goal in the third quarter to give the Panthers a 14-point lead but then would give up a touchdown in the third and fourth quarters to Auburn to get the game tied. The Panthers got a defensive stop in the fourth when it counted as UNI would drive down the field running as much clock and taking a time out with :02 left in the fourth to go for the game winning field goal. Kicker Jason Johnson kicked a 29 yard field goal with time expiring to give the Panthers their first conference win of the season and to extend their winning streak to 13 wins.
#100 UNI Visits #30 Auburn in Conference Opener
September 13, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 22, 2008 21:40
UNI will travel this week to Auburn, Alabama to take on the #30 Auburn Tigers. Last year when UNI faced Auburn, UNI was coming off a loss to another tiger team, the Memphis Tigers. Auburn was ranked #19 and UNI was going for its first conference win and first team win with new head coach Bo Pelini. UNI was not supposed to win that game but they did and came out victorious 38-17. With that win UNI would never lose another game and finish the season with an 11-1 record but no bowl games or conference championships because of NCAA probations.
That win started UNI's win streak and their win streak is still going strong coming off a powerful win against Army last week 90-17. UNI has won 12 straight games and when they face Auburn, they will go for their 13th straight win and their 9th straight conference win. Last year UNI went undefeated in the conference with an amazing 8-0 record in the SEC.
UNI Wins Home Opener
September 7, 2013
Game Report Posted: December 22, 2008 21:23
It was 2:14 into the third quarter before Army scored their first points by way of a field goal. But by that time, UNI had already racked up 66 points against them. It was 52-0 at halftime and the Panthers weren't about to stop there. UNI had 90 points by the game's end and defeated the Army Knights 90-17.
UNI loved this game because they were able to get many of their back ups in to play a lot of time as well.
Starting QB Leonard Robertson went 11 for 20 with 219 yards and a touchdown while his backup QB Chris Joseph went 9 for 13 throwing for 143 yards.
Freshman HB Steve Jackson ran for 169 yards and FIVE TDs. His backup Clayton Matthews ran for 99 yards and FOUR TDs.
Freshman WR Jarvis Whitaker caught seven balls for 148 yards and Freshman WR Chris Peterson caught six balls for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Coach Pelini had this to say in a post-game conference, "I am so happy at how this very young team did. If those freshmen can keep doing this all year. Wow, watch out in two or three years. We're going to have the top five heisman candidates and walk away with all of the awards!"
UNI's attendance surprisingly continues to drop despite UNI continuing to win games. Attendance is at a new low of 4,215.
#119 Army Visits #109 UNI
September 6, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 22, 2008 03:47
#109 UNI will be starting the season ranked higher than they've ever been ranked since they joined the FBS. Coach Pelini said that he would like to see the team ranked in the 60's at the midway point. UNI has a B- strength of schedule and two of the teams they've scheduled this year are still part of the FCS. Richmond and Appalachian State are two very well known teams. Richmond won the FCS National Championship back in 2008 and Appalachian State is known for their National Championship and their victory over a ranked #5 Michigan team back in 2007. Richmond beat UNI in the 2008 FCS Semi-Final to go on to win the National Championship over Montana.
UNI Picked to Finish Dead Last in SEC
July 27, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 22, 2008 03:40
It comes as no surprise that UNI is picked again to finished dead last. "I would have liked at least a second to last picking," Coach Pelini said. UNI wasn't supposed to finish as high as they did last year with no recruits and this year they look to be a triple threat with the 28th highest recruiting class during the off-season. Watch out SEC because UNI has no probations this year as to going to a possible SEC Championship game or getting a bowl bid. "It's going to be all about how we rank and I'm hoping the Coaches are good to me and my team this year. I signed a 4-year extension with this team and I don't plan on going anywhere soon. My goal is going to be getting this team (UNI) to and winning a national championship game and getting them to at least a 5-star prestige team." Coach Pelini stated.
Positives and Negatives for UNI During Off-Season
March 20, 2013
Season Report Posted: December 17, 2008 22:32
It started off as a negative as once again the NCAA has put UNI on probation. However, the penalties are not too severe and they may get a chance this year to be conference championship and bowl eligible. The NCAA handed down two penalties to UNI, 10 less scholarships for 3 years and no televised games for 2 years.
On the positive side, Bo Pelini had two job offers. UL Lafayette and New Mexico. He declined both and signed a 4-year extension with UNI. Currently Bo Pelini is at a 3-star coach prestige. The extension to Pelini might have been the reason the off-season recruiting went so well. UNI had the 28th top recruiting class in the nation, something that makes UNI a threat in the future. Leading the off-season recruiting are two 4-star halfbacks and a 4-star cornerback. UNI signed five 4-star, seven 3-star, one 2-star and one 1-star recruits for a total of 14 recruits.