(UNIpanthers.com) UNI was able to drive into Illinois State territory in the final minute of play, but was unable to complete the comeback as the Panthers fell to the Redbirds, 23-21 in the UNI-Dome on Saturday in Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

Illinois State notched a 41-yard field goal to open the second half as the UNI defense struggled to slow down the Redbird offense. The Panthers used their second possession of the second half to climb back into the game starting at their own 9-yard line, driving down the field to score on a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Sam Schnee early in the fourth quarter. UNI was able to put together one final possession in the final 70 seconds, but was unable to score.

The Panthers return to action next Saturday, Oct. 15 as they host the Utah Tech Trailblazers in non-conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT at the UNI-Dome