Most Significant Game ever?

[buckswope]

I was pondering this today, is this game versus Texas State the most important game ever for the Panthers, I would have to say yes. During my days at UNI we played in some big games but none w/ the magnitude of this one. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 2 live to the nation a first for us I believe. I believe this truly will help our recruiting on a national level immensely. For all those people who confuse 1AA and D2, and feel 1AA pales in comparision w/ mid level 1A schools such as the Marshalls, and Akron they will get a chance to see what 1AA is truly about. Texas State has beautiful facilities, great fans and we both have great athletes and this game will truly do a ton for 1AA. I feel this is a dream match up for ESPN2 and 1AA. Could u imagine if New Hampshire would have made it with their horrible facilities, it just would have made 1AA look horrible. I saw the game Saturday and it looked like DIV 3 except for the athletes, and for recruits who cannot see through that it really turns them away from programs such as ours. Any views...

[UNI92]

No doubt.
I've been there for some great (but heartbreaking games) YSU in '92, Marshall in '96, Boston in '94 etc.. Time to step up and take the next step. I've got a feeling that the momentum combined with the courage and heart of this year's team will get it done!!!

[Matt Trump]

100% correct. There is no question. Our team needs to win this game to get that next level.

[Newsbreaker]

From a recruiting standpoint, winning this game is absolutely massive. Not only can the staff finally tell recruits that they can come to UNI and really have a shot at winning the big trophy, but for the 1A transfers (like Horne, who just wants to play for a title), this game is key.

Not only that, but to do what's never been done by a D1 college team in Iowa...to win an undisputed outright national championship!

[UNI MadCat]

I hadn't thought about it Bucky, but I'd say you are right. I mean, I guess when I saw the post topic I immediately thought, "No, YSU in '92 was bigger" b/c we probably had a better shot, going into it anyway, just because we were at home. But you are right. In terms of what this can do for recruiting and just showcasing UNI to the nation, it probably is the most significant game ever.

Here's a question -- is it the most significant sporting event in UNI history? I guess I would say the 2nd round NCAA game vs. Minnesota would take that title (I cant really say the 1st round vs Mizzou b/c we didnt become a story until AFTER that game).

Top 6 I guess would be
B-ball - Mizzou & Minn in '90
B-ball - Ga Tech in '04
B-ball - Wisconsin in '05
B-ball - Iowa in '90
FB - YSU in '92
FB - Tex St in '05

Thoughts?

[pantherclaw]

has a football team in iowa from NIAA to d-I ever won a national championship??? I wanna say wartburg may have but im not sure.

[georgiapantherfan]

No way that Wartburg has won a Championship. TheIowa Conference teams MO is to win a game at most and then get blown out.

[UNI MadCat]

I think there has been a JUCO to win won, but I dont know if we can count that (and I could be wrong anyway).

[pantherclaw]

thanks georgia, I had just thought that for awhile wartburg had a pretty good team and had been making some runs for the title, guess not. Thanks for the info.

[UNI MadCat]

Oh, and I'm pretty sure Central College won a NCAA D-III title in the 70s.

[Newsbreaker]

Iowa 'technically' has a football NC...they finished first in one of the polls back in the 40's or 50's, but not in the other polls, and had 1 loss while there was at least 1 undefeated team.

[UNI MadCat]

Northwestern College (IA) has won TWO NAIA National Championships and they have played in 5 games overall.

[UNI MadCat]

How's this for irony?

Morningside is playing in the NAIA semifinals this weekend and if they win they will play in the NAIA National Championship game in Savannah, TN the day after UNI COULD be playing the NC in Chatty. Savannah is 200 miles west of Chatty. If that scenario played out, I'd definitely consider going over to lend my support to an Iowa school the next day.

[GonzoCat]

I think Central won several NCs.

[CincyPanther88]

I think Central won several NCs.

I think they've only won that one in the 70s. Came pretty close several times since but no cigar.