The UNI Panther football team was victorious over nationally-ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference rival Western Illinois on Saturday, 30-23.  The win bumps UNI up to 5-5 overall, and 4-3 in conference play.  UNI was able to hold the Leathernecks to just 96 rushing yards on the day.

UNI scored consistently throughout the game in each quarter.  They were led offensively by Eli Dunne’s 209 passing yards, and 92 rushing yards by Michael Malloy.

UNI scored on the opening drive with a consistent drive of the field, capped by a two-yard run by Malloy.  The second quarter saw another long drive by the Panther offense, and the Panthers took a 13-3 lead at halftime.

In the third, both teams traded blows. In the fourth quarter, the teams both traded more blows, but UNI ultimately slammed the door on the Leathernecks.

Defensively, UNI was led by Duncan Ferch’s 11 tackles.  Karter Schult also chipped in three sacks to add to his nation-leading statistic.

UNI will close out the season next weekend for Senior Day in the UNI-Dome when they face South Dakota State.