FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION (FCS)
The NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) now will be used to describe schools that participate in the NCAA championship postseason structure (one of 88 NCAA national championships that formerly was described as the I-AA football championship).

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
The University of Northern Iowa football team put a cap on the 2007 season Sunday with its annual awards banquet.

Senior quarterback Eric Sanders, senior linebacker Brannon Carter and junior receiver/returner Johnny Gray were named the Most Valuable Players at the team's annual football banquet held Sunday in the McLeod Center.

Sanders (Oelwein, Iowa) took home the Offensive MVP honor. Sanders passed for 2,842 yards and 17 touchdowns on 237-of-315 passing in 2007. He completed an astonishing 75.2 percent of his passes as a senior and finished his career as the FCS' all-time completion percentage leader at 69.64 percent. Sanders was a first-team all-Gateway selection and was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year.

Carter (St. Charles, Mo.) was awarded the team's Defensive MVP award. Carter was the Gateway Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Year and led the Panthers in tackles this season with 88 total stops. He led the squad with five interceptions. Carter was also named to the Associated Press All-America first team as well as the Sports Network's All-America third team.

Gray (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) was named the team's Special Teams MVP. Gray, a first-team all-Gateway pick and second-team All-America selection by the Sports Network, led the Panthers with 18 punt returns for 304 yards (16.9 avg.) and a touchdown. He also returned six kicks for 112 yards (18.7 avg.). Gray was the Panthers' leading receiver with 70 catches for 910 yards and five touchdowns.

Senior safety Clifford Waters (Kirkwood, Mo.) was given the Stan Sheriff Award (Oil Can Award) by the UNI coaching staff. This award is given to the player who helps the team perform in the smoothest manner. Waters started all 13 games as safety and tied for second on the squad in total tackles (87). Waters also recorded 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a quarterback sack, an interception and forced a fumble in the Panthers' secondary. He was a first-team All-Gateway pick and was also named an honorable mention All-American by the Sports Network.

Senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart (Boone, Iowa) earned the Don Erusha Most Valuable Offensive Lineman award. The award is named after former UNI assistant coach Don Erusha. Rinehart started all 13 games at right tackle for the Panthers this season, while earning first-team all-Gateway Football Conference honors. He was also named to 2007 ESPN the Magazine academic all-district squad and was a first-team academic all-Gateway selection. Rinehart helped guide the Panthers to a perfect 11-0 regular season and a No. 1 national ranking for six weeks. The Panthers' rush offense (227.38 yards/game) ranks No. 2 in the Gateway and No. 15 in the nation, the Panthers' pass offense (229.92 yards/game) ranks No. 2 in the Gateway and the Panthers' total offense ranks No. 7 in the nation (457.31 yards/game). Rinehart earned first-team All-America honors from the Sports Network, Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation, American Football Coaches Association. He also earned a spot on the CollegeSportingNews.com's Fabulous 50 team. Rinehart participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 26.

Freshman offensive lineman Jay Teply (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and freshman linebacker Jordan Smith (Humboldt, Iowa) were named the Scout Team Players of the Year.

The team's Hammer Awards were given to the top defensive players. Sophomore defensive end James Ruffin (Burnsville, Minn.), senior linebacker Brannon Carter (St. Charles, Mo.) and senior safety Clifford Waters (Kirkwood, Mo.) earned this year's Hammer Awards with Waters earning the Super Hammer Award.

Ruffin started all 13 games at defensive end and totaled 52 tackles (20 solos). He ranked second on the team with 8.0 tackles-for-loss. Ruffin notched a season-high eight tackles in UNI's 30-24 win over Southern Illinois. He also secured a sack and three tackles in a 38-17 win at Missouri State. Ruffin was a first-team All-Gateway pick at the conclusion of the season.

FARLEY NAMED 2007 EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD WINNER
University of Northern Iowa head football coach Mark Farley was named the 21st winner of the Eddie Robinson Award.

The Robinson Award, named for the legendary Grambling head coach, is presented annually to the top head coach in FCS.

Farley guided the Panthers to the first-ever perfect regular season (11-0) in the 23-year history of the Gateway Football Conference. UNI held the No. 1 ranking in the Sports Network Top 25 poll for six straight weeks. The Panthers completed an unblemished 7-0 in the Gateway and finished the first undefeated regular season in school history since 1960. Earlier this year, Farley was awarded the Gateway Football Conference's Coach of the Year honor.

Farley was a walk-on inside linebacker at UNI and eventually became a team captain and All-American during a playing career that spanned 1983-86. He worked as a graduate assistant and assistant coach for the Panthers under former UNI head coaches Darrell Mudra, Earle Bruce and Terry Allen. After serving on Allen's staff at Kansas from 1997-2000, Farley returned as the Panthers' head coach in 2001. Farley has been either a player, assistant coach or head coach for all 13 of the Panthers' FCS postseason appearances.

In seven seasons as the Panthers' head coach, Farley has compiled a 63-25 record and led the Panthers to four Gateway titles (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007). His 2005 team tied for the league crown and advanced to the national championship game. Farley placed thid in the 2001 Robinson Award balloting, 10th in 2003 and 15th in 2005.

Farley received 39 first-place votes out of 120 ballots cast by a panel of sports information directors and selected media who regularly cover FCS games. Al Lavan of Delaware State finished second in what was the largest margin ever (97 points) between a first- and second-place finisher since the Robinson Award was established in 1987.

"I'd like to thank my coaching staff and players because this is so much more of a team award and about team recognition," Farley said. "It is a tremendous honor especially when you consider all the other coaches out there in the nation that are up for this award. It's really humbling."

SANDERS PLACES SECOND IN PAYTON AWARD BALLOTING
Senior quarterback Eric Sanders finished second in the Walter Payton Award balloting. The award was handed out Dec. 13 at the Sports Network FCS Awards Dinner, held on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship.

The Payton Award, named for the legendary Jackson State and Chicago Bears running back and established in 1987 by The Sports Network, is presented annually to the top player in FCS.

UNI senior quarterback Eric Sanders finished second in the Walter Payton Award balloting. Georgia Southern quarterback Jayson Foster won the Walter Payton Award. Foster tallied 24 first-place votes and 224 total points, while Sanders tallied 21 first-place votes and 184 total points. San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson placed third with 10 first-place votes and 166 points.

Sanders passed for 2,842 yards and 17 touchdowns on 237-of-315 passing in 2007. He completed an astonishing 75.2 percent of his passes as a senior and finished his career as the FCS' all-time completion percentage leader at 69.64 percent. Sanders was a first-team all-Gateway selection and was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year.

UNI senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart received one write-in vote, a fifth-place tally.

PANTHERS SWEEP GATEWAY SEASON AWARDS
For the first time in seven seasons, a Gateway school has swept the league's top three specialty awards as QB Eric Sanders and LB Brannon Carter of UNI earned this year's Gateway's top player honors.

Panther head coach Mark Farley, meanwhile, earned Bruce Craddock Coach of the Year award honors for the second time in his career.

Although Sanders shared first-team QB honors with SIU's Nick Hill (both received an equal number of first-place and second-place votes), the senior signal-caller from UNI had a decisive edge in the Offensive Player of the Year balloting.

Carter, meanwhile, is the first Panther defender since Adam Vogt to win the league's top defensive honor. He led the league with five interceptions and ranked first on the Panthers with 88 tackles. UNI led all of FCS in scoring defense in the regular season.

Mark Farley was this year's Gateway Coach of the Year. The Panthers, ranked No. 1 in the FCS and the top seed in this year's playoffs, became the first team in Gateway history to complete a regular season with a perfect 11-0 slate.

FIVE PANTHERS NAMED TO GATEWAY ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM
The University of Northern Iowa had five players named to the Gateway Football Conference's All-Newcomer team.

Placekicker Billy Hallgren (Coal Valley, Ill.), fullback Ryan Mahaffey (Grinnell, Iowa), linebacker De'Veon Harris (Pompano Beach, Fla.), cornerback Darrell Lloyd (O'Fallon, Mo.) and cornerback Adam Roberts (Oklahoma City, Okla.) all earned a spot on the 2007 Gateway all-newcomer team.

FARLEY NAMED AFCA REGION IV COACH OF THE YEAR
University of Northern Iowa head football coach Mark Farley has been honored as the American Football Coaches Assocation's (AFCA) Football Championship Subdivision Region 4 Coach of the Year.

This marks the second time that Farley has earned the AFCA Region Coach of the Year honor. Farley also won the award following the 2001 season, after helping UNI to an 11-3 record and a berth into the national semifinals.

FARLEY NAMED SCHUTT SPORTS COACH OF YEAR BY AMERICAN FB MONTHLY
University of Northern Iowa head coach Mark Farley was named the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) Schutt Sports Coach of the Year by American Football Monthly, the No. 1 resource for football coaches, on Dec. 18.

PANTHERS TIE ALL-TIME GATEWAY WIN STREAK
UNI's 13-game win streak tied for the longest mark in Gateway history. Western Kentucky also won 13 games in a row from 2002 to 2003.

13 STRAIGHT FOR UNI
UNI's 13-game win streak dating back from 2006 and into 2007 wass the longest in school history.

The Panthers' of 1908-1910 ran off a 12-game win streak over three seasons to set the previous record.

The Panthers of 1991 and 1992 possess the school's longest regular season win streak at 16 in a row. UNI won its final eight regular season games in 1991, before running off eight more to begin the 1992 season.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING
UNI played its 999th all-time game against Delaware. UNI put its first football team on the field in 1895.

The Panthers' all-time record is 584-368-47 in 999 games.

LARGEST PLAYOFF CROWD IN UNI-DOME HISTORY
The Panthers drew a UNI-Dome postseason best of 16,015 fans for the UNI-New Hampshire NCAA first-round playoff game on Nov. 24.

UNI's previous best home postseason crowd was 14,682 for the 1992 national semifinal game between the Panthers and Youngstown State.

TWO MORE POSTSEASON RECORDS FALL
One Panther set an individual postseason record, while as a team UNI set a separate mark in a 38-35 win over New Hampshire.

Junior running back Corey Lewis rushed for 220 yards to break the previous single-game mark held by Adam Benge. Benge ran for 177 yards in a 2001 playoff game vs. Eastern Illinois. Lewis rushed 32 times for his 220 yards and three touchdowns. Lewis' rushing total was also the 10th-best single-game mark in the history of UNI football.

The Panther offense set the total offense record with 570 yards against New Hampshire. UNI's previous postseason best came when the Panthers secured 562 yards against Georgia Southern in 1985.

LEWIS SETS SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING RECORD
Junior running back Corey Lewis set the UNI single-season rushing record with 1,513 yards in 2007.

Lewis moved past Adam Benge's 1,383 yard total in 2001 in the Panthers' 38-35 loss to Delaware in the NCAA FCS quarterfinal matchup. Lewis rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns against the Blue Hens.

LATE GAME HEROICS
Senior quarterback Eric Sanders engineered his 12th fourth quarter or overtime victory on Nov. 24 when he led the UNI Panthers to a 38-35 win over New Hampshire.

Sanders hooked up with freshman wide receiver Montari Leonard for a 24-yard touchdown pass with only seven seconds remaining to clinch the victory. Sanders guided the Panthers 71 yards in only five plays with no timeouts to work with on the final drive.

MONTARI DOUBLES UP
Freshman wide receiver Montari Leonard entered the Nov. 24 game against New Hampshire with only four catches on the season.

He then proceeded to catch four balls for 65 yards, including the 24-yard game-winning touchdown with only seven seconds remaining in the game.

Despite only catching nine passes all season, Leonard ranks third on the team in touchdown receptions (3) and sixth in receiving yards (176).

THREE PANTHERS EARN ALL-ACADEMIC GATEWAY HONORS
Three University of Northern Iowa football players have been named to the Gateway Football Conference's all-academic team as announced by the league office.

Senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart (Boone, Iowa) earned first-team honors, while junior running back Corey Lewis (St. Paul, Neb.) and sophomore linebacker Josh Mahoney (Sioux Falls, S.D.) tallied second-team status.

Rinehart, who has a 3.27 GPA in sports psychology, has started all 12 games at right tackle for the Panthers this season. He was also named to 2007 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII squad. Rinehart was a second-team academic all-Gateway selection in 2006. The Panthers' rush offense (231.83 yards/game) ranks No. 2 in the Gateway and No. 13 in the nation, the Panthers' pass offense (224.83 yards/game) ranks No. 2 in the Gateway and the Panthers' total offense ranks No. 7 in the nation (456.67 yards/game).

Lewis, who has a 3.04 GPA in physical education (exercise science), is UNI's leading rusher with 1,363 yards and 14 touchdowns. He ranks 2nd in the Gateway in rushing yards per game (113.6) and has seven 100-plus rushing games this season. He also ranks second on the team with 47 receptions for 579 yards. Lewis became the first Panther ever to rush for 100 yards and receive for 100 yards in the same game when he tallied 125 rushing yards and 164 receiving yards in a 31-17 win at South Dakota State. Lewis rushed for a career-high 220 yards and scored three touchdowns in leading UNI to a 38-35 win over New Hampshire in the first round of the NCAA FCS playoffs.

Mahoney, who has a 4.00 GPA in economics and English, is a reserve linebacker that sees a majority of his action on special teams. He secured his first career interception in a 68-14 win over Indiana State (11/10). He tallied a season-high three tackles against Western Illinois (10/20) and Missouri State (11/3). On the season, he has notched 15 total tackles (7 solos).

FIRST-EVER NO. 1 SEED FOR THE PANTHERS
The UNI Panthers earned the program's first-ever No. 1 seed in the FCS playoffs. UNI's best previous seed was the No. 3 seed in the 1996 playoffs.

13TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
UNI made its 13th apperance in the FCS (formerly I-AA) playoffs. UNI has tallied a mark of 16-13 all-time in the FCS playoffs.

DOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE
The Panthers have posted a record of 12-3 in the UNI-Dome in postseason play.

FARLEY'S PLAYOFF SUCCESS
UNI head coach Mark Farley has enjoyed plenty of success in the FCS playoffs. Farley's squads have posted a mark of 7-4 in playoff games.

Farley is a perfect 4-0 in first round games with wins over Eastern Illinois, Montana State, Eastern Washington and New Hampshire.

Farley is also 2-2 in the quarterfinal round with wins over Maine and New Hampshire. Both losses in the quarterfinals have come to Delaware (2003, 2007).

QUARTERFINAL HISTORY
UNI has posted a mark of 6-4 all-time in quarterfinal matchups during the FCS playoffs.

UNI's Quarterfinal History
1985 Eastern Washington W, 17-14
1987 Arkansas State W, 49-28
1991 at Marshall L, 41-13
1992 McNeese State W, 29-7
1995 at Marshall L, 41-24
1996 William & Mary W, 38-35
2001 Maine W, 56-28
2003 at Delaware L, 37-7
2005 at New Hampshire W, 24-21
2007 Delaware L, 39-27

FIRST-ROUND WINS
UNI has won six straight opening-round games in the FCS playoffs. UNI won first-round games in 1995, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

The Panthers are 10-3 all-time in the first round of the playoffs.

UNI's First-Round History
1985 Eastern Washington W, 17-14
1987 Youngstown State W, 31-28
1990 at Boise State L, 20-3
1991 Weber State W, 38-21
1992 Eastern Washington W, 17-14
1993 at Boston L, 27-21 (ot)
1994 at Montana L, 23-20
1995 at Murray State W, 35-34
1996 Eastern Illinois W, 21-14
2001 at Eastern Illinois W, 49-43
2003 Montana State W, 35-14
2005 Eastern Washington W, 41-38
2007 New Hampshire W, 38-35

PERFECT REGULAR SEASON
UNI completed the first-ever perfect regular season in the 23-year history of the Gateway Football Conference with a record of 11-0.

UNI's 6-0 mark in Gateway play marked the ninth time in league history a team went undefeated against conference competition. It was the fifth time UNI has completed Gateway play with an unblemished record.

13 GATEWAY TITLES
In 23 years of league play, UNI has now captured at least a share of the Gateway Football Conference title in 13 of those seasons with nine of those being outright championships.

UNI #7 IN NATION IN SCORING DEFENSE
The UNI defense has not only been stopping the run and forcing turnovers, but the unit has also been stingy when it comes to giving up points.

UNI ranks seventh in the nation in scoring defense (16.85 points/game).UNI opponents have scored 219 points this season, while the Panthers' offense has rolled up a school-record 469 points.

UNI ranks No. 6 in the nation in rushing defense (91.00).

The Panthers also rank No. 13 in the nation in turnover margin (1.15).

UNI RANKED #1 IN SPORTS NETWORK POLL
The University of Northern Iowa football team entered the 2007 NCAA FCS playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation for the past six weeks.

The Panthers had 97 (of a possible 113) first-place tallies in The Sports Network's Top 25 poll.

The Panthers moved into the top spot in The Sports Network's FCS Top 25 poll on Oct. 15. It marked the first time the Panthers had been perched in the No. 1 spot in the nation since the Sports Network's poll on Nov. 5, 1992.

UNI was the No. 1-ranked team in the nation from Oct. 5, 1992 until Nov. 2, 1992. That was the only previous time UNI has been ranked No. 1 in the nation on the gridiron.

UNI EARNS VOTE IN AP POLL
The UNI Panthers tallied a vote in the Nov. 18 Associated Press FBS Top 25 poll.

The Panthers received one point from the media panel, a 25th-place vote from Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle.

FARLEY IN THE GATEWAY
Head coach Mark Farley improved his league mark to 35-13 with a 68-14 win over Indiana State, included in that stretch is record of 27-7 over the past five seasons.

Farley's 35 league wins ranks him third on the Gateway all-time coaches' win list trailing only Randy Ball (51 in 16 years) and Terry Allen (43 in 10 years).

LEWIS AMONG TOP 10 RUSHERS IN UNI HISTORY
Junior running back Corey Lewis ranks No. 9 on the Panthers' all-time rushing list with 2,689 rushing yards.

Jeff Stovall is the Panthers' all-time leading rusher with 3,835 yards on 873 carries. Stovall starred for the Panthers from 1993-1996.

LEWIS ALSO FINDS THE ZONE
Corey Lewis has also been efficient when it comes to scoring rushing touchdowns.

The St. Paul, Neb., native has scored 28 career touchdowns. His 28 scores ranks fifth on the Panthers' all-time rushing touchdown list. Carl Boyd ranks fourth on the list with 30 rushing touchdowns.

Jeff Stovall holds the Panthers' rushing touchdown mark with 46 career scores on the ground.

AIR, GROUND SERVICE
Corey Lewis delivered on the ground and through the air this season by leading the team in rushing and ranking second in receiving.

Lewis rushed for 1,513 yards (116.4/game) and 16 touchdowns. Lewis caught 54 passes for 642 yards.

The St. Paul, Neb., native led the Panthers with 2,178 all-purpose yards (167.5/game).

Lewis put together one of the finest all-purpose games in UNI history against South Dakota State (9/15) as he rushed for more than 100 yards and tallied 100-plus receiving yards.

As a result of his play against the Jackrabbits, Lewis was rewarded withthe Gateway Football Conference's Offensive Player of the Week honors.

He caught 10 passes for 164 yards, rushed 18 times for 125 yards and scored three touchdowns in leading UNI to a 31-17 victory at South Dakota State. Lewis tallied career-bests in receptions, receiving yards, all-purpose yards (289) and touchdowns.

100-YARD MARK
Junior running back Corey Lewis has reached the 100-plus rushing mark 14 times in his Panther career.

Lewis trumped the 100-yard mark in UNI's 24-13 win over Iowa State with 130 yards on only 19 carries.

He eclipsed the 100-yard rushing plateau in UNI's 31-17 win over SDSU. Lewis rushed for 125 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns in the victory over the Jackrabbits.

Lewis went over the 100-yard mark against Drake with 108 yards on 20 carries.

Lewis ran his season-streak of 100-plus rushing efforts to four in a row after tallying 123 yards on 19 carries in a 23-13 win at Illinois State (9/29).

Lewis got back into the 100-yard swing with 166 yards in helping UNI to a 42-3 win at Western Illinois (10/20).

Lewis ran for 167 yards on 23 carries and scored on a 14-yard touchdown run in a 38-17 win at Missouri State (11/3).

Lewis set his career rushing yardage mark with 220 yards on 32 carries against New Hampshire in the first round of the 2007 NCAA FCS playoffs. Lewis also rushed for three touchdowns against the Wildcats in UNI's 38-35 victory.

Lewis ran for 150 yards and two scores in UNI's quarterfinal matchup with Delaware.

Lewis rushed for 100-plus on five occasions in 2006 and once in 2005.

The St. Paul, Neb., native averaged 6.7 yards per carry and 99.3 yards per game in 2006.

PANTHERS VS. RANKED OPPONENTS (since 1985)
UNI posted a 5-1 record against ranked opponents in 2007. The Panthers tallied wins over No. 16 Illinois State, No. 7 Southern Illinois, No. 17 Western Illinois, No. 20 Youngstown State and No. 17 New Hampshire.

The Panthers are 58-34 against top 25 opponents since joining the Gateway Football Conference in 1985.

EVANS TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE
Senior linebacker Araf Evans return from a devastating upper arm/elbow injury was nothing short of spectacular.

Evans was lost for the season last year in week six when he suffered a broken upper left arm against Indiana State (10/14/06).

Evans rehab efforts continued through the spring and he even took part in spring drills for the Panthers.

Evans return to the field came on Aug. 30 in UNI's 41-14 win over Minnesota State. Evans tallied four tackles (two solos) in the victory.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native recorded his first collegiate touchdown against Drake. Evans pulled off a defensive trifecta in the Panthers' 45-7 win over Drake.

At the 1:34 mark of the first quarter, Evans wrapped up Drake wide receiver Travis Hardgraves, stripped the football and then returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to put the Panthers on top, 14-0. Evans finished the game with four total tackles, including three solo stops.

Evans made his comeback complete against Indiana State (11/10) as he intercepted a pass against the Sycamores to set up a Panther touchdown.

Evans ranked fourth on the team with 57 tackles.

DE'VEON'S IMPACT
Linebacker De'Veon Harris, a junior college transfer from North Iowa Area CC, made quite an impact for the Panthers this season.

Harris began the season as a backup at the middle linebacker slot but was inserted into the starting lineup against Iowa State and has now slowed down since.

Harris' balanced defensive effort came in the form of 87 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and an interception.

KICKING WITH CONFIDENCE
Redshirt freshman placekicker Billy Hallgren did a solid job as a replacement for the Panthers' all-time leading scorer in Brian Wingert. Wingert tallied a four-year total of 331 points.

The Coal Valley, Ill., native tied for the Panthers' scoring lead this season with 96 points. Hallgren was a perfect 45-for-45 on extra points and made 17-of-25 field goal attempts.

Hallgren's career best field goal came from 53 yards in a 30-24 win over Southern Illinois (10/13).

CARTER CLAIMS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR HONORS
Senior linebacker Brannon Carter's defensive effort this past season did not go unnoticed in the Gateway Conference as he was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

Carter intercepted his fifth pass of the season, recovered a fumble and registered eight total tackles in helping UNI to a 38-17 win at Missouri State. Carter and the Panthers limited the Bears to zero yards in the third quarter and only 11 total yards in the entire second half.

Carter led the league in interceptions with five. Carter tallied a team-high 88 total tackles (34 solos), five pass breakups and 3.5 tackles-for-loss.

MATCHING HIS COACH
Linebacker Brannon Carter's five interceptions ties him with his head coach Mark Farley, who also secured five picks in 1984, for the most interceptions by a UNI linebacker in the past 25 years.

FIVE PICKS AGAINST T-BIRDS
UNI intercepted a season-high five passes in the 48-10 win over Southern Utah.

Junior Adam Roberts intercepted two passes, while three Panthers earned their first career picks. Sean McMoore, Ben Schmidt and Nick Nelson each tallied their first career interceptions in the win over SUU.

UNI has intercepted 21 passes this season - only six away from the school record of 27 set in 1975.

ROBERTS NAMED GATEWAY POW
University of Northern Iowa junior defensive back Adam Roberts (Oklahoma City, Okla./Southeast HS/NE Oklahoma CC) was named the Gateway Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his play against Southern Utah.

Roberts intercepted two passes and tallied a pair of tackles in helping UNI to a 48-10 win over Southern Utah. Roberts caught a deflected Cody Stone pass in the second quarter for his first interception that allowed UNI to set up a short field at the 43-yard line.

Roberts' second pick came at the UNI five-yard line to thwart a third-quarter drive by Southern Utah. Roberts missed four games with a stress fracture in his foot, but returned to the Panther lineup last week against Indiana State.

THREE STRAIGHT SELLOUTS IN THE DOME
For the first time in school history, UNI sold out the UNI-Dome for the third straight game on Nov. 10.

UNI began the streak with 17,074 vs. Southern Illinois (10/13). The Panthers then had 16,528 for the Youngstown State (10/27) contest. The Panthers drew 16,624 for Saturday's 68-14 win over Indiana State. UNI is averaging 16,320 fans this season through four home games and the listed capacity for the UNI-dome is 16,324.

The Panthers the UNI-Dome attendance record on Oct. 13 when 17,074 fans watched UNI score a 30-24 victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis. The previous UNI-Dome record had been set on seven occasions (16,324) with the last sellout coming on Nov. 11, 1995 when UNI hosted Idaho.

Date Opp. (Attendance) Result
11/3/90 Mo. St. (16,324) W, 20-17
10/24/92 Idaho (16,324) W, 27-26
11/21/92 Mo. St. (16,324) W, 37-12
11/13/93 SIU (16,324) W, 49-17
9/24/94 McNeese St. (16,324) L, 34-24
10/22/94 Ill. St. (16,324) W, 24-17
11/11/95 Idaho (16,324) L, 16-12
10/13/07 SIU (17,074) W, 30-24
10/27/07 YSU (16,528) W, 14-13
11/10/07 Ind. St. (16,624) W, 68-14

SWIFT NAMED GATEWAY LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
University of Northern Iowa junior Bob Swift was named the Gateway Football Conference's Offensive Lineman of the Week on Monday.

Swift (Manchester, Iowa/West Delaware HS), who had started the first nine games of the season at left guard, moved to right tackle in the Panthers' 68-14 win over Indiana State and did not miss a beat.

Swift graded out at 95 percent as the Panthers tallied 662 total yards, including 404 on the ground.

THREE BACKS REACH 100-PLUS RUSHING PLATEAU
UNI running backs Darian Williams, Derrick Law and Taylor Brookins all topped the 100-yard rushing mark against Indiana State.

Williams rushed for a game-high 115 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. Law and Brookins each rushed 17 times with Law totaling 105 yards and a touchdown, while Brookings netted 101 yards.

It is the first time in school history that UNI had three players reach the 100-plus rushing mark in the same game.

GRAY'S IMPACT
Junior wide receiver/returner Johnny Gray (Deerfield Beach, Fla./Deerfield Beach HS) electrified the UNI-Dome crowd with a spectacular 67-yard punt return for a touchdown in UNI's 68-14 win over Indiana State.

Gray returned two punts for 97 yards, caught two passes for 42 yards and a touchdown, while accumulating 139 all-purpose yards against the Sycamores.

The 67-yard return for a score was the second punt return touchdown of Gray's career. He returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown against Western Kentucky in 2005.

MONTARI MAKES PLAYS
True freshman wide receiver Montari Leonard (DeLand, Fla./Mainland HS) recorded his first two collegiate touchdown receptions and went over the 100-yard receiving mark with three catches for 102 yards in leading UNI to a 68-14 victory over Indiana State.

Leonard latched on to a 35-yard scoring strike from Eric Sanders in the second quarter, and then tallied a 53-yarder in the third quarter from Pat Grace.

Leonard came into the game having caught one pass for three yards this season.

UNI SETS GATEWAY SCORING MARK
The Panthers set their own Gateway scoring record with 68 points against Indiana State. UNI's previous high-point total in the league came in a 58-6 win over the Sycamores in 2004. Southern Illinois set the Gateway scoring record this season with 72 points against Indiana State.

LARGEST MARGIN FOR UNI IN A LEAGUE GAME
The Panthers also topped its previous margin of victory record in a Gateway game with the 54-point win over the Sycamores. UNI' 58-6 win over Indiana State in 2004 was the previous best.

THE ROAD STANDARD
UNI became the first-ever Gateway Football Conference school to win all six of its regular season road contests in a single season.

Only 12 teams in league history have won five road games in a season.

No previous Gateway team has claimed six road victories in a season, although both Western Kentucky (2002) and Youngstown State (1997) won six away from home in a season as each won the national title in those respective seasons.

Team Road Home Total
WIU (1988)* 5-1 5-1 10-2
UNI (1991)* 5-2 6-0 11-2
WIU (1996)* 5-2 4-1 9-3
WIU (1997)* 5-1 6-1 11-2
YSU (1997)* 5-1 7-1 13-2^
Ill. St. (1999)* 5-3 6-0 11-3
UNI (2001)* 5-3 6-0 11-3
WIU (2002)* 5-1 6-1 11-2
WKU (2002)* 5-2 6-1 12-3^
WIU (2003)* 5-2 4-2 9-4
Ill. St. (2006)* 5-3 4-1 9-4
UNI (2007) 6-0 6-1 12-1

*earned FCS playoff berth;
^neutral site win (national championship)

THE SCHUYLAR'S THE LIMIT
Redshirt freshman tight end Schuylar Oordt recorded his first collegiate touchdown reception of the season in UNI's 38-17 win at Missouri State.

Oordt also made one of the season's most important catches and helped propel the Panthers to a 14-13 win over No. 20-ranked Youngstown State (10/27).

Facing a 3rd-and-10 with just over five minutes remaining, Oordt got past the YSU defense and made a 34-yard catch to set up the Panthers' go-ahead touchdown.

Oordt had an impressive collegiate debut against the Minnesota State Mavericks. Oordt caught five passes for 63 yards, including a long of 22 yards.

Oordt is comfortable playing games in the UNI-Dome as he played prep football for Cedar Falls High School, which also plays its home games in the UNI-Dome.

In 2007, Oordt caught 12 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown.

SANDERS NAMED GATEWAY PLAYER OF WEEK
University of Northern Iowa senior quarterback Eric Sanders was named the Gateway Football Conference's Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against Missouri State (11/3).

Sanders was responsible for three touchdowns in leading UNI to a 38-17 Gateway clinching victory at Missouri State. Sanders passed for 199 yards and two scores, including a 43-yarder to Johnny Gray and a 4-yarder to Schuylar Oordt. Sanders also scored from a yard out on fourth-and-goal from the 1 on a naked bootleg to provide UNI a two-touchdown cushion at 31-17 in the third quarter.

The Oelwein native also surpassed the 8,000-yard passing mark in his UNI career against the Bears.

It marks the third time in Sanders' career, and second time this season, that he has taken the Gateway's Offensive Player of the Week honor.

CARTER EARNS SECOND GATEWAY POW HONOR
University of Northern Iowa senior linebacker Brannon Carter (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell North HS) was named the Gateway Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his play in Saturday's win over No. 20-ranked Youngstown State.

Carter intercepted YSU's Tom Zetts with 49 seconds left in the fourth quarter to seal the No. 1-ranked Panthers' 14-13 win over the Penguins. For Carter it was his team-leading fourth interception of the season. Carter also secured 10 tackles (five solos) against the Penguins in leading UNI to the triumph.

This marks the second time this season that Carter has earned the league's top defensive honor. Carter previously was named the Gateway's Defensive Player of the Week for his play in a 30-24 win over Southern Illinois (10/13).

CARTER NABS DEFENSIVE POW HONOR
University of Northern Iowa senior linebacker Brannon Carter has been named the Gateway Football Conference's defensive player of the week for his effort in the Panthers' 30-24 win over Southern Illinois.

Carter (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell North HS) nabbed his third interception of the season and led the Panthers with 12 total tackles (seven solos) in the victory over the Salukis. Carter also notched a tackle-for-loss in the win.

Carter's interception came at the UNI 6-yard line as SIU was driving for a late score with only 27 seconds left in the second quarter. Carter leapt in the air and made an acrobatic grab to snare the ball away from the Salukis and preserve a 20-7 UNI lead at the half.

ROAD WARRIORS
For the first time in school history, UNI played and won four consecutive road games.

UNI opened the season at home Aug. 30 against Minnesota State with a 41-14 win.

The Panthers then won road games at Iowa State (24-13), at South Dakota State (31-17), at Drake (45-7) and at Illinois State (23-13).

To prepare for the September road test, UNI head coach Mark Farley had the players dress in their white jerseys for the team's annual media day on Aug. 3.

BIG CROWDS FOLLOW THE PANTHERS
UNI drew at least 10,000 fans each game this season. UNI drew 15,056 in its home opener against Minnesota State, Mankato.

But the Panthers have also been drawing well on the road. In all four road games during the month of September there was at least 10,216 fans in attendance for each game.

The biggest draw came during the Iowa State contest, which set Jack Trice Stadium record with 56,795.

PANTHERS' O-LINE EARNS LEAGUE'S TOP HONOR
After leading the University of Northern Iowa to a 42-3 win with 355 rushing yards on 66 carries against Western Illinois, the Panthers' offensive line was named the Gateway Offensive Players of the Week.

UNI's starters Chad Rinehart, Bob Swift, Eric Hoffman, Barret Anderson and Brandon Keith plowed through the Western defense as the Panthers racked up 355 yards on the ground on 66 rushing attempts. The line took over in the third quarter as the Panthers ran 25 plays, 24 of which came via the ground game, and held the ball for 13:12 of the 15 minutes.

The Panthers' offensive line also protected quarterback Eric Sanders and did not allow a sack as he was a perfect 8-for-8 passing for 93 yards against Western.

PAIR REACHES 100-MARK
Corey Lewis (29 att., 166 yds.) and Darian Williams (19 att., 102 yards) became the first Panther duo to rush for 100+ in the same game since David Horne and Terrence Freeney turned the trick on Oct., 15, 2005, against Indiana State. UNI rushed for 355 yards on 66 rushing attempts in its 42-3 win over Western Illinois (10/20).

WATERS NAMED GATEWAY DEFENSIVE POW (9/29)
Senior safety Clifford Waters was named the Gateway Defensive Player of the Week for his effort in a 23-13 win at Illinois State (9/29).

Waters (Kirkwood, Mo./Kirkwood HS) intercepted Illinois State quarterback Luke Drone as the Redbirds were attempting to drive and tie the game. Waters interception came at the 4:24 mark of the fourth quarter with UNI clinging to a 20-13 lead over Illinois State. Waters also recorded nine tackles (seven solos) and a pass breakup in the Panthers' win.

HALLGREN NAMED GATEWAY SPECIAL TEAMS POW (9/29)
Redshirt freshman kicker Billy Hallgren notched the Gateway Special Teams Player of the Week accolade for his play in a 23-13 victory at Illinois State (9/29).

Hallgren (Coal Valley, Ill./Moline HS), kicking for the first time in his home state, drilled three field goals and a pair of extra points to help UNI to a 23-13 win at Illinois State. Hallgren made field goals from 19, 25 and 43 yards. His 43-yarder was a career-best and gave UNI a two-score advantage with 2:48 remaining in the fourth quarter against the Redbirds. Hallgren also kicked off six times and recorded three touchbacks.

UNI - 2007 MYTHICAL STATE CHAMPIONS
The UNI Panthers can lay claim to the 2007 `mythical' state championship after scoring in-state wins over Iowa State (24-13) and Drake (45-7).

Iowa State tallied a 15-13 win over Iowa only one week after the Panthers had beaten the same Cyclone team on the same field in Ames, Iowa.

GATEWAY SLAYS THE GIANTS
UNI's 24-13 win over Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, and SIU's 34-31 win over Northern Illinois in DeKalb, Ill., marked only the second time in league history (Sept. 22, 2001) that the Gateway had recorded two FBS wins on the same date.

 The Gateway has a total of 27 victories against FBS schools since 1985, including at least one every year from 1996 through 2003, and three in the past two seasons. Southern Illinois (at Indiana in 2006, and at Northern Illinois in 2007) became the first Gateway school since Western Illinois (2002 and 2003) to win against an FBS opponent in back-to-back years.

9TH WIN OVER FCS OPPONENT
In scoring its first win over Iowa State since 1994, UNI improved its record against teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) to 9-15 since 1985.

The Panthers boosted their overall record against non-conference opponents since 1985 to 100-45 and extended their streak of consecutive seasons with at least two non-conference wins to 23.

UNI is the only original member of the Gateway Conference to claim at least two non-conference wins in each season since the league began play in 1985.

A BIG DRAW
For the second consecutive year, the Panthers and Cyclones played in front of a record crowd at Jack Trice Stadium.

The throng of 56,795 fans eclipsed Iowa State's previous attendance mark of 55,518 -- set in the Sept. 30, 2006, UNI-ISU clash.

It is the fourth-largest crowd ever to see a UNI football game, with the Panthers' all-time record coming at Iowa on Sept. 17, 2005 - a crowd 70,585 at Kinnick Stadium.

SANDERS NARROWLY MISSES NATIONAL RECORD
Senior quarterback Eric Sanders completed 19-straight passes in UNI's 31-17 victory at South Dakota State. It is one completion shy of the league and FCS record for consecutive completions.

Austin Moherman (Missouri State) set the record with 20-straight completions against Indiana State in 2000.

SECOND-HALF RALLIES AGAINST THE JACKRABBITS
For the second straight season UNI trailed SDSU at the half but responded with a dominant second half.

In 2006, SDSU led 17-3 at the half, before UNI rallied for a 27-17 victory in the UNI-Dome.

This season UNI trailed 14-13 at the half before outscoring the Jackrabbits 18-3 in the second stanza for a 31-17 triumph.

SANDERS NAMED GATEWAY CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AGAINST ISU (9/8)
UNI senior quarterback Eric Sanders (Oelwein, Iowa/Oelwein HS) has been named the Gateway Football Conference's co-Offensive Player of the Week.

Sanders accounted for all three UNI touchdowns in a 24-13 victory at Iowa State. Sanders passed for 180 yards on 23-of-29 passing and two touchdowns. Sanders hit Johnny Gray on a 10-yard scoring strike in the second quarter to put UNI on top for good at 10-6. Sanders later connected with Victor Williams on a five-yard touchdown pass on a 4th-and-2 with 3:30 left in the second quarter. Sanders capped the UNI scoring against the Cyclones when he found the end zone on an 8-yard run.

It is the second time in Sanders' career he has earned the Gateway's weekly top offensive honor. Sanders also earned Gateway Offensive POW honors in 2004 when he passed for 174 yards and four TDs in a win over Indiana State (11/6/04).

COLLEGESPORTSREPORT.COM TABS UNI NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK
CollegeSportsReport.com has named UNI its FCS National Team of the Week after knocking off Iowa State, 24-13.

Eric Sanders connected on 23 of 29 passing, as UNI played solid, mistake-free football in racking up over 33 minutes of possession. Meanwhile, the Panther defense forced four Iowa State turnovers to help usher in a claim for the state championship with a 24-13 win.

RINEHART EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONOR
University of Northern Iowa senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart has been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Football University Division District VII first team, selected by CoSIDA and announced Thursday by coordinating officials.

For being selected to the first-team, Rinehart's name will now appear on the ballot for consideration for the honor of Academic All-American.

It is the first time Rinehart (Boone, Iowa/Boone HS) has been honored as an academic all-district selection. He was a second-team academic all-Gateway honoree in 2006. Rinehart has been on the Dean's List each of the past three semesters and five times overall.

Rinehart, who has a 3.27 GPA in physical education - sports psychology, has started all nine games for the Panthers this season. Rinehart was named a preseason All-American by Sports Network, Lindy's College Football Preview, Street & Smith's College Football Preview and College Sporting News. He was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation by The Sports Network in its preseason breakdown. Rinehart was named to the 2007 preseason all-Gateway team. He was a second-team All-America pick in 2006 by The Sports Network.

As a member of the Panthers' offensive line, he was a part of the unit that was named the Gateway Football Conference's Offensive Player of the Week vs. Western Illinois (10/20).

District VII includes schools in the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Selections are open to student-athletes who have reached sophomore academic standing and carry at least a 3.20 G.P.A. The University division includes all Division I schools.

The academic all-district team honors student-athletes who excel both on the playing field and in the classroom. The awards are sponsored by and voted on by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

DEFENSIVE NEWCOMERS
A trio of newcomers to the defensive side of the ball made an impact in their first games as UNI Panthers.

Junior Linebacker De'Veon Harris recovered a fumble at the UNI 23-yard line to stymie a third quarter drive by Minnesota State. Harris also notched a sack and tallied three solo tackles in the win.

Junior cornerback Adam Roberts tied for the team lead with six tackles and recorded his first interception.

Junior Darrell Lloyd secured four total tackles and was also credited with a pass breakup in the win over Minnesota State.

IMPRESSIVE DOME OPENER
The Panthers drew 15,056 for the season opener against Minnesota State.

It was the largest crowd in the UNI-Dome since drew 15,536 on Nov. 12, 2005, against Southern Illinois.

The previous best home opener in the Mark Farley era came in 2005 when the Panthers drew 10,385 against the Drake Bulldogs.

RINEHART SEMIFINALIST FOR DRADDY TROPHY
University of Northern Iowa senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart (Boone, Iowa) was among the semifinalists for the 2007 Draddy Trophy - the equivalent of the academic Heisman.

Selected as the best and the brightest from the college gridiron, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced the 153 semifinalists for the 2007 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and the candidates for the NFF 2007 National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

This year's semifinalists maintain a 3.58 average GPA in diverse majors such as physics and ocean engineering. Sixty-six players have earned all- conference recognition on the field and 106 have served as captains. The offensive line produced the most nominees with 31 candidates. Receivers and linebackers followed with 26 nominees each. Offense outscored the defense with 80 to 53 hopefuls. Twenty special teams aspirants completed the contingent. Nominees hail from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including a record 67 contenders from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).

The NFF Awards Committee selected 15 finalists on Oct. 25. Each finalist was recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 4 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

PANTHERS PICKED TO WIN GATEWAY TITLE
UNI was tabbed to win the 2007 Gateway Football Conference title in a poll conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors.

In the closest pre-season vote in Gateway history, the Panthers (with 166 total points) edged Illinois State and Youngstown State in the voting, as seven points separated the league's top three vote-getting teams.

The Panthers received 11 of 28 first-place tallies and a total of 166 points in the poll, and they were followed by Illinois State (160 points and seven first-place votes) and Youngstown State (159/9).

NINE PANTHERS EARN PRESEASON GATEWAY HONORS
Six UNI players were voted to the Gateway preseason all-conference poll, while three others earned honorable mention status. On offense, junior running back Corey Lewis, junior wide receiver Johnny Gray Johnny Gray and senior lineman Chad Rinehart were honored. On the defensive side of the ball, junior lineman Mark Huygens, senior lineman Jordan Lacy and senior safety Chris Parsons were named.

Three more Panthers - senior quarterback Eric Sanders, senior running back Darian Williams and senior wide receiver Terrell Allen - earned Gateway preseason honorable mention.

SENIOR CAPTAINS
The squad voted all 16 Panther seniors to serve as captains for the 2007 season.

This year's senior class includes: WR Terrell Allen (Wellford, S.C.), CB Nick Alvarez (Pompano Beach, Fla.), OL Barret Anderson (Rochester, Minn.), LB Brannon Carter (St. Charles, Mo.), LB Araf Evans (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), OL Adam Falk (Lodi, Wis.), FB Josh Firstley (New Orleans, La.), OL Eric Hoffman (St. Cloud, Minn.), OL Brandon Keith (McAlester, Okla.), DL Jordan Lacy (Jefferson City, Mo.), WR Whitney Lewis (Oxnard, Calif.), DL Jeff McGaster (Seaside, Calif.), OL Chad Rinehart (Boone, Iowa), QB Eric Sanders (Oelwein, Iowa), DB Clifford Waters (Kirkwood, Mo.) and RB Darian Williams (East Moline, Ill.).

HOT OUT OF THE SHOOT
UNI is 56-46-7 in season openers and 13-5 in the last 18 years. UNI posted a 41-14 win over Minnesota State, Mankato, Aug. 30, to open the 2007 season.

HOME SWEET DOME
UNI is 160-41-1 (.799) in the UNI-Dome. The Panthers have gone undefeated at home in a season seven times since 1990.

UNI went 6-1 in home games in the 2007 season.

Prior to 1998, the Panthers had two consecutive undefeated seasons in the Dome. The Panthers have posted three perfect home seasons under head coach Mark Farley, including 2001 (6-0), 2003 (6-0) and 2005 (7-0).

Prior to a September 24, 1994, loss to McNeese State, UNI had won 29 straight regular-season games in the Dome dating back to the 1989 season when it lost 22-14 to Mankato State in the first game of the year.

The Panthers are 59-12 in home Gateway games, leading the league in home conference victories. UNI defeated Southern Illinois, Youngstown State and Indiana State at home this season.

POLL TALK
The Panthers have finished ranked in the top 25 six times in head coach Mark Farley's seven seasons at the helm of the UNI football program. UNI was ranked No. 4 in 2007, No. 4 in 2001, No. 5 in 2003, No. 25 in 2004, No. 2 in the 2005 and No. 17 in 2006. Only five times since 1984 have the Panthers ended a season unranked - 1986, 1988, 1997, 1998 and 2002.

STAFF CHANGES
Head coach Mark Farley added three new members to the staff and elevated another to full-time status in the offseason. Farley added linebackers coach Scott Frost, video coordinator Jeremiah Johnson and director of football operations Matt Harken. Defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery moved from a graduate assistant to full-time in the offseason.

UNI & THE GPI
UNI finished first in the final 2007 I-AA.org Gridiron Power Index (GPI), the BCS-style ranking for FCS. It marked the sixth time in seven years that UNI finished in the top 20. UNI has finished first in 2007, second in 2005, fourth in 2001, fifth in 2003, 12th in 2006 and 20th in 2004.

STOCKING THE NFL
The University of Northern Iowa boasted nine former players in camp with National Football League teams this preseason.

Derrick Frost - Washington
Mike Furrey - Detroit
MacKenzie Hoambrecker - San Fran.
Joe Lobdell - Indianapolis
Brad Meester - Jacksonville
Justin Sandy - Cleveland
Benny Sapp - Kansas City
Justin Surrency - Minnesota
Kurt Warner - Arizona

THE SPORTS NETWORK'S PRESEASON POSITIONAL RANKINGS
The Sports Network published its preseason positional rankings in the FCS and the UNI Panthers found their way into quite a few of the lists.

Senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart is ranked No. 1 in the nation at his position.

Junior defensive tackle Mark Huygens is ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Senior quarterback Eric Sanders is ranked No. 4 at the quarterback position.

THREE PANTHERS NAMED TO THE SPORTS NETWORK'S PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM
The University of Northern Iowa football squad had three members named to the 2007 Sports Network preseason FCS All-America team, including first-team senior offensive tackle Chad Rinehart (Boone, Iowa).

Rinehart was joined by junior defensive tackle Mark Huygens (Sergeant Bluff, Iowa), who earned second-team honors after securing seven quarterback sacks last season. Senior cornerback Chris Parsons (Moore, Okla.) notched third-team status after ranking second in the nation last year with six interceptions.

PANTHERS' TV COVERAGE
UNI had nine of its 13 games broadcast on television this season.

"Obviously, a huge number of Panther fans are excited about this football team and its success," UNI Director of Athletics Rick Hartzell said. "We are thrilled that our TV partners at FOX, Mediacom and CFU decided to televise these games due to the interest that has been generated and the success of the team. We hope as many people as possible will come to the games in person but if they can't do that, that they will support the Panthers and our television partners and sponsors by watching the games at home or at their favorite place to watch Panther athletic events."

CFU will broadcast the final two home games of the season on Nov. 10 vs. Indiana State and Nov. 17 vs. Southern Utah. Both games will be shown live in Cedar Falls.

UNI's 45-7 win at Drake and 30-24 win over Southern Illinois were broadcast state-wide on Mediacom. The SIU game was also broadcast on Cedar Falls Utilities.

The Oct. 20 game at Western Illinois was a part of the Gateway Football Conference's television package and was shown live on Fox Sports Midwest, Fox College Sports and Metro Sports (Kansas City).

The Oct. 27 game against Youngstown State in the UNI-Dome was a part of the Gateway television package and was shown live on KFXA-TV, KDSM-TV, Fox College Sports and Metro Sports (Kansas City).

The Nov. 3 game at Missouri State was shown shown live on Mediacom's Connections Channel.

The Nov. 10 game vs. Indiana State and the Nov. 17 game vs. Southern Utah were shown live on Cedar Falls Utilities.

The Nov. 24 NCAA FCS playoff game against New Hampshire was broadcast live by both CFU and Mediacom.

The Dec. 1 NCAA FCS playoff game vs. Delaware was broadcast live as a part of the ESPN GamePlan package. The game also aired live on several in-state cable stations.