My thoughts on the UNI game....

[TJames]

Northern Iowa, probably the premier football program in the MVFC. Two years in a row, Indiana State has battled the Panthers pretty much right down to the wire. The last two years, UNI has been forced to score late touchdowns in the fourth quarter in order to salt away wins.

In 2010, ISU trailed 23-20 until a late TD made it 30-20 as the final score. Saturday, the Sycamores trailed 16-9 until a late touchdown made it 23-9 as the final score.

Last year, Tirrell Rinnie gave Indiana State fits. Saturday, ISU's Shakir Bell was the one giving fits to UNI until he got hurt with the concussion.

I am telling you folks, the Sycamores are moving closer to being an annual contender for the MVFC title.

To play like Indiana State did Saturday -- in front of the third largest UNI-Dome crowd in school history and on Homecoming no less -- should give the coaching staff, players and fans something to build on.

I read some of the Facebook comments of the Indiana State players after Saturday's loss. They were heartbroken. They believed that they were going to go to Cedar Falls and get the job done. And they very nearly came close to doing it.

They played their butts off against the No. 2 team in FCS, a team that could very well wind up going on and winning an FCS national title. And, as Todd Golden tweeted afterwards, it's a game that the Sycamores should have won.

But it also gives them more fire and determination heading into this week's Homecoming game with Western Illinois. I'll be there on Saturday. I have a large number of former players coming in for the game.

 

[new sycamore fan]

Good points Tom, but you had one omission--WE could also go on and win an FCS national title. I believe that after being at this game, and I think the players also believe that.

 

[bent20]

You could tell during the warm ups that the players had the confidence they were going to win that game. I love that attitude. I think most UNI fans understand we're now going to be a threat every year.

 

[achrist70]

Hi there Panther fan here

I just have to say that you guys are good, and I would be shocked if you do not end up in the playoffs. I hope that Bell isn't out for long, as he is probably the best back in the Valley. Your coaching staff has done an amazing job.

Good Luck the rest of the season.

 

[SycamoreFootball]

Just some comments about the game...

First of all...ADVERSITY...how will the team respond after this game...that will be the key to the rest of the season...

Clearly, loosing Bell to an injury that had a most definite impact on the offense...changed what they needed to do in the 2nd half. But, I would also point out...that the hit that put Bell out of the game was a game changer...and a 15 yard penalty in this case did not remedy a situation...that in my opinion contributed to OUR loss.

The DEFENSE played an outstanding game...not enough said about that...everyone said TO WIN this game the defense would have to step up. No one even thought about how the offense would have to deliver...think most thought we would deliver.

CANNOT make the mistakes we made on offense and win football games...especially costly penalties and turnovers...2 interceptions and a very costly fumble. WE will not win championships until those issues are corrected.

SPECIAL TEAMS...have to make extra points...and a secure kicking game that will deliver a much higher percentage of field goals.

Looking at the cause and improving on that will make the Sycamores the champions that they desire to be...there is still time...the SEASON isn't over!

 

[TJames]

New Sycamore Fan.....I didn't mean to minimize....

the Sycamores chances at winning the FCS title....just trying to illustrate what the Indiana State program has accomplished in four short years....once the laughing stock of the MVC...now going toe-to-toe with one of the best programs in the conference and the FCS......

 

[new sycamore fan]

Tom, I know you are 110% behind the team and the coaches at all times--I wasn't saying I don't agree with you or that you were in any was diminishing the team, just reminding everyone here that an NC is still the goal for these guys, and that they are capable of delivering.