The Panthers were able to bounce back from a tough loss this week as they beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks 27-13. Running back David Johnson lead the way with 223 all-purpose yards, 146 on the ground, and a pair of rushing touchdowns. He also broke the school record for career touchdowns, as he currently has 51.
Brion Carnes, receiving his first start of the season, led the Panthers downfield for a Michael Schmadeke 32-yard field goal to start the game. The defense forced a three-and-out on WIU’s following drive thanks in part to a Xavier Williams sack, his first of two sacks on the day.
Chad Owens punt return of 37 yards put the Panthers 36 yards out and Johnson would capitalize on the short field, scoring on an eight-yard rush to give UNI a 10-0 lead.
Carnes opened up on the first drive of the second quarter, going 80 yards in 12 plays and hitting Chad Owens for a 20-yard touchdown.
After forcing another punt, the Panther offense set Schmadeke up for his career-long field goal, a 49 yard boot through the uprights.
WIU’s David McDaniel blocked Logan Bieghler’s punt, ultimately leading to a Hi-C Scott touchdown reception. It cut the Panther lead to 20-7 heading into the locker room for halftime.
The second half opened with defense by both sides as neither scored in the third before Jordan Webb forced a fumble that was recovered by Brett McMakin.
The Panther offense would turn it right back over as Charles Brown fumbled the ball away near the goal line.
The fourth started quickly as Johnson scored his second touchdown a minute into the quarter. Up 27-7, Deiondre’ Hall picked off Trenton Norvell on the next drive. WIU was able to answer with a Quadarias Mireles touchdown reception.
With just over three minutes left Max Busher sealed the win with a interception in the end-zone, allowing the Johnson and company to run the clock out and win 27-17. Johnson finished the game with 160 yards rushing on 29 attempts.
Next week, the Panthers are set to play ninth-ranked Illinois State at 4 p.m. in the UNI-Dome.
