After last week, I thought this might happen.

[UNIChippewa]

I'm not trying to come across as a know it all, but after we beat the last team in on our own field on a miracle play, I can't say I'm too surprised that we lost today to a very, very good team in Delaware. Disappointed, absolutely, but surprised, not really.

It is too bad that after getting off to a 10-point lead that we couldn't keep it up, and when you turn over the ball three times and your opponent protects the ball, well then....

As disappointed as I am, I can't imagine how the team and coaching staff feel, as well as you fellow Panther fans who live in Cedar Falls and Iowa and are much closer to the team physically than I am. Tough way to end a season, but what a season.

I've been reading some of these threads, and in addition to the turnovers, it sounds like some of the posters are questioning the offensive play-calling and going away from our running game. Just out of curiousity, how much of a factor was that?

It's interesting. I have Sportscenter on in the background, and they were talking about West Virginia going away from their running game tonight in their loss to Pitt. So, if UNI went away from their strenghts, they certainly have some company with some very good coaching staffs.

[JayJ79]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

As disappointed as I am, I can't imagine how the team and coaching staff feel, as well as you fellow Panther fans who live in Cedar Falls and Iowa and are much closer to the team physically than I am. Tough way to end a season, but what a season.

I'd bet that that is another reason why the FBS will never go to a real playoff system. With the bowls, then 30+ teams get to end their seasons with a win. Yet with a playoff, only one ends with a win.

I'm sure the players and coaches are bummed, especially the seniors. But alas, that's part of the game.

[RadMann]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

I'd bet that that is another reason why the FBS will never go to a real playoff system. With the bowls, then 30+ teams get to end their seasons with a win. Yet with a playoff, only one ends with a win.

I'm sure the players and coaches are bummed, especially the seniors. But alas, that's part of the game.

I've heard Delaware's previous Head Coach Tubby Raymond say that about playoffs. While they are great, by definition only one of the top teams nationwide will end up with a win. That can put a damper on a great season. UNI had a tremendous season.

[UD1Hens]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

It is too bad that after getting off to a 10-point lead that we couldn't keep it up

I think that the Delaware drive after you went up 10-0 was absolutely huge. If Delaware didn't score to make it a game again and calm the crowd/nerves they would have been near dead. There is no doubt in my mind that UNI would have scored again to go up 17 if UD had just punted the ball back to them. In the grand scheme of things turnovers were the difference but you guys could have had the game "won" if you got the ball back, up 10.

[Matt Trump]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

FBS won't go to playoffs because the bowls and bcs fund the NCAA and athletics programs nationwide.

[CanuckPanther]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

Actually, UNIChippewa, you have expressed my thoughts quite well. Thank you. While I am not the most knowledgable of strategy, play-calling, etc etc, I am a fan. I think I am entitled to my opinions and ideas, no matter how much anyone else thinks I am stupid/silly/inane. I do not know if it is connected to playing ISU and then Southern Utah in the last two games after an AMAZING job playing all the previous games, but we did NOT play as well those last two games as I felt we had earlier. I was TERRIFIED of the UNH game, and then even more so after that game when we had to play Delaware.
However, as you stated, the hurt WILL heal, and I will always look back at this season with joy, pride, excitement and amazement. May all the Panthers, whether returning or finishing their UNI careers, look forward to even better things in the future. Eric Sanders, and all the other seniors.....THANKS!!!!!
Go Panthers!

[Purple For Life]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

I. Am. Really. Freaking. Pissed. Off.

Where was our offense? Where was our defense? This must have been Eric Sanders' evil twin, because the real Eric Sanders would not play as crappily as that.

Two day later and I still can't figure this out.

[Panther89]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

I. Am. Really. Freaking. Pissed. Off.

Where was our offense? Where was our defense? This must have been Eric Sanders' evil twin, because the real Eric Sanders would not play as crappily as that.

Two day later and I still can't figure this out.

Simple. 1. We played a very good football team. We ran into a quarterback that could throw, even on 3rd down, out of the pocket and under pressure.
2. We ran into a running back that could run. No, he didn't break any huge runs, but he did get yards when needed.
3. We ran into a defense that adjusted after getting down by 10, and adjusted very well. Stopping us on several drives.
4. We made a couple of mistakes. Turnovers can be costly. Unfortunately, we couldn't control numbers 1,2, and 3. We did a pretty decent job on a few drives but they did what they had to do; especially on 3rd down situations.
As for number 4, we played so very well all season long, we almost felt like this team couldn't beat itself. Turnovers, even 2 of them, in a very tight game often spell the difference between victory and defeat. Still, we were never "out" of the game until probably the last couple of minutes. The game was close and Delaware is one of the best teams I saw the Panthers play this year. I'll give them credit. Southern Illinois has their work cut out for them. If Delaware can win in Carbondale this week, I think they'll win it all.
Ask the Delaware coach and/or players if they'd like to come back here again and play us anytime soon, and I feel they would probably so NO.

As bad as losing sucks, I am glad the Panthers went down to a good opponent, and not a team that really had no business beating us.

[run&blade]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

That block in the back penalty against UNI in the 1st half was a killer. It took away a first down and gave the Hens the field position battle.

UNI's defense was just horrible the past two weeks, I don't know what it is about I-AA football but defense seems to go out the window in big games. I expected more from a defensive guy like Farley but didn't get it.

It was a great year but watching teams march up and down the field against UNI's defense the last two weeks really leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Can't wait until 2009, we know UNI doesn't make the playoffs in the years they play at Southern Illinois.

[Born-a-Panther]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

Can't wait until 2009, we know UNI doesn't make the playoffs in the years they play at Southern Illinois.

Geez. Should we even bother to take the field then...?

[UNIAlum95]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

Geez. Should we even bother to take the field then...?

I am hoping that the sarcasm was lost in the post...

[Chitown Panther]

Re: After last week, I thought this might happen.

Simple. 1. We played a very good football team. We ran into a quarterback that could throw, even on 3rd down, out of the pocket and under pressure.
2. We ran into a running back that could run. No, he didn't break any huge runs, but he did get yards when needed.
3. We ran into a defense that adjusted after getting down by 10, and adjusted very well. Stopping us on several drives.
4. We made a couple of mistakes. Turnovers can be costly. Unfortunately, we couldn't control numbers 1,2, and 3. We did a pretty decent job on a few drives but they did what they had to do; especially on 3rd down situations.
As for number 4, we played so very well all season long, we almost felt like this team couldn't beat itself. Turnovers, even 2 of them, in a very tight game often spell the difference between victory and defeat. Still, we were never "out" of the game until probably the last couple of minutes. The game was close and Delaware is one of the best teams I saw the Panthers play this year. I'll give them credit. Southern Illinois has their work cut out for them. If Delaware can win in Carbondale this week, I think they'll win it all.
Ask the Delaware coach and/or players if they'd like to come back here again and play us anytime soon, and I feel they would probably so NO.

As bad as losing sucks, I am glad the Panthers went down to a good opponent, and not a team that really had no business beating us.

We quit calling run plays too early....sorry.

Lewis should have had 30 carries...