UNI fell behind 10-0 but rallied in the fourth quarter to tie the game against Illinois State and send it to overtime. The Redbirds hit on their first overtime possession with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Waring to Austing Nagel. UNI had their possession end with a pass that fell short of Bradrick Shaw for an incompletion that ended the game.

UNI looked like they were going to have a chance to win the game in regulation. Deion McShane returned a punt 69-yards to the Redbirds’ 1 yard line with just over a minute to play, but it was called back on a block-in-the-back penalty.

UNI outgained Illinios State 315-164 but a number of mistakes cost the Panthers scoring chances. Isaiah Weston was a bright spot once again with 142 yards receiving, he leads the FCS in yards per reception at 25.38.

The Panthers fell to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the Valley. Next up for UNI is a road trip to No. 17 Missouri State for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+