For the first time in more than two years the Northern Iowa football team is nationally ranked. The Panthers are 19th in the Stats FCS Top 25 after a 24-17 win over fourth ranked North Dakota. It was their second straight win over a top five team.
That’s UNI coach Todd Stepsis, who says while happy with the ranking they know there is a lot of room for improvement.
Stepsis says after a 3-9 record last year and a 1-2 start to this season the Panthers did a good job of handling the negative noise surrounding the program. Now, they must learn to handle praise.
The Panthers are 3-0 in the UNI-Dome and now will be in search of their first road victory this week with a visit to sixth ranked Youngstown State.
Stepsis says they will try to practice outside to get ready for the game.
The Panthers are 3-2 overall.
