The fifth-ranked UNI Panthers proved that they could be national-title contenders this fall when they triumphed over in-state rival Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday.  

In a back-and-forth defensive battle, it was UNI who made key plays late in the game, pulling the 25-20 victory.  This is the Panthers’ first win in Ames since 2013 when they came away with a 28-20 win.  

UNI went into the second quarter down 7-0 before they outscored Iowa State 16-10 to head into halftime up 16-13.  

UNI extended that lead to 19-13 on a field goal by Austin Errthum.  

After Iowa State regained the lead in the fourth quarter, the Panthers capitalized on another Iowa State turnover. They regained the lead for good, off of a short run into the end zone by J’Veyon Browning.

Offensively, UNI was led by quarterback Aaron Bailey.  Bailey accounted for 135 passing yards, 114 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).
 
Also making a big impact on the offensive end was Tyvis Smith, who finished with 111 all-purpose yards and was the end-zone target for Bailey’s touch-down pass.  

Defensively, the Panthers only gave up 307 total yards of offense, while also forcing four turnovers.  One of those turnovers was a game-clinching interception by Jared Farley.  

Farley also finished with a team-high eight tackles.  Also making an impact on the defensive side, was redshirt freshman Hezekiah Applegate, who finished with seven tackles, including a sack, as well as Karter Schult’s three tackles for a loss of 20 total yards.  

UNI’s special teams contributed to the victory in good fashion. Punter Sam Kuhter had averaged 44 yards per punt on eight punts, placing three within the 20 yard line.
 
This victory held some extra significance as well.  This became win number 130 for head coach Mark Farley, making him the all-time winningest coach at UNI.  

UNI improves to 1-0 on the season.  The now third-ranked Panthers host #15 Montana at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls on Saturday, Sept. 10.  The game will kick-off at 4 p.m.