Match Overview
The 2016 Iowa State vs. UNI football game was a highly anticipated matchup that took place on September 24, 2016. Both teams were looking to secure a victory that would boost their season and position them well in the conference standings.
Team Backgrounds
Iowa State, a member of the Big 12 Conference, entered the game with a 1-2 record. The Cyclones had faced challenges early in the season, but they were hoping to turn things around against UNI, who had a 2-1 record and were coming off a win against Northern Iowa.
On the other side, UNI, a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, was known for their strong rushing offense and solid defense. The Panthers had been a consistent threat in the conference and were looking to extend their winning streak.
Key Players
| Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Montee Ball | Running Back | Iowa State |
| Desmond Smith | Quarterback | Iowa State |
| Payton Harrell | Running Back | UNI |
| Tommy Sweeney | Quarterback | UNI |
Game Highlights
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle from start to finish. Iowa State took the lead early in the first quarter with a touchdown run by Montee Ball. However, UNI quickly responded with a field goal to keep the game close.
In the second quarter, the Cyclones added to their lead with another touchdown, but the Panthers fought back with a touchdown of their own. The halftime score was 14-10 in favor of Iowa State.
The third quarter saw both teams exchanging touchdowns, with Iowa State leading 21-17 at the end of the quarter. However, UNI scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 21-21.
The game went into overtime, where Iowa State’s defense held strong, allowing the Cyclones to win the game with a field goal in the final minute.
Player Performances
Montee Ball had a standout performance for Iowa State, rushing for over 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. Quarterback Desmond Smith also played well, completing 14 of 24 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.
For UNI, Payton Harrell led the rushing attack with 121 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Tommy Sweeney was efficient, completing 16 of 26 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown.
Post-Game Reactions
Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads was pleased with the team’s performance, especially in overtime. “We showed a lot of heart and resilience today,” he said. “We’ve been working on our overtime situations, and it paid off.”
UNI head coach Mark Farley was disappointed with the loss but proud of his team’s effort. “We fought hard, but Iowa State made some plays at the end,” he said. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
The 2016 Iowa State vs. UNI football game was a memorable matchup that showcased the competitive nature of both teams. Iowa State’s overtime victory was a testament to their determination and resilience, while UNI’s strong performance highlighted their potential for the rest of the season.