CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – UNI closed out the regular season with multiple records in a 41-3 win over Western Illinois (2-9 / 2-6 MVFC).
UNI improved to 6-5 / 4-4 MVFC while setting records for most sacks in a single game and the longest touchdown run in UNI history.
Western Illinois was able to tie up the score in the second quarter, but wasn’t able to overcome a stingy UNI defense. A UNI record of 12 sacks kept WIU’s rushing total to -46 yards. The Leathernecks’ offense was limited to 117 yards.
The sack record tops a four-way tie of 11 sacks that was most recently matched in 2010 against North Dakota State.
Seven Panthers contributed to the record. Riley Van Wyhe, Jared Brinkman, Caden Houghtelling, Khristian Boyd and Jevon Brekke each had two sacks. Bryce Flater and Devin Rice each added one.
While UNI was fairly balanced in offensive yards, Dom Williams gave the rushing numbers a boost with a record-setting touchdown run. Williams rushed for career-high 168 yards and broke the UNI record for longest rushing touchdown run with his 99-yard play. It breaks the old standard of 98 yards set by Arnold Paulsen against Augustana in 1951.
UNI added 241 yards in passing. Sam Schnee led UNI in receiving yards with 82, and freshman Terrance Kamara chipped in 60 yards.
Eleven conference champions automatically qualify for this year’s playoffs. An additional 13 teams earn at-large bids selected by the FCS Playoff Committee. The complete 24-team bracket will be selected Sunday, Nov. 21. The selection show is scheduled to broadcast on ESPNU at 11:30 a.m. CT.
The FCS Playoffs conclude with the national championship in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022.
