Oct. 25, 2008

Final Stats

The Upper Iowa football team traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota for their ninth game of the season. The Peacocks took the field against the Golden Bears of Concordia University. The two teams were both looking for their first Northern Sun South Division victory. Upper Iowa struck for the game's opening touchdown on their second play from scrimmage. Concordia rallied to take a 13-7 lead into halftime, but Upper Iowa hit on a second big play for a touchdown to take a one-point lead 14-13. Much like last year, Upper Iowa held their lead into the 4th quarter, but couldn't hang on as the home team scored the game's final ten points to win 23-14. With the loss, Upper Iowa saw their record drop to 1-8 overall and 1-7 in the NSIC, while Concordia improved to 4-5 overall and 3-5 in conference action.

Sophomore quarterback Ben Curran hooked up with senior tight end Kyle Hosch on both Peacock touchdowns. The first connection came on Upper Iowa's second play of the game. Curran hit Hosch for a 68-yard touchdown to give UIU the 7-0 lead. After Concordia scored 13 unanswered points to take a 13-7 lead into the break, Upper Iowa rallied in the third quarter and took a 14-13 lead with just 15 seconds to play in the third quarter. The second touchdown covered 39 yards.

Last season, Upper Iowa held a 17-13 lead at Concordia only to see a late score steal a win from the Peacocks. So it must have seemed like déjà vu when the Golden Bears scored the only points in the fourth quarter to take a 23-14 NSIC Southern Division win.

For the game, CU gained a 30-10 advantage in first downs and a 431 to 227 advantage in total offense. The Peacocks had trouble getting out of their own way in the game. Upper Iowa committed 11 penalties for 126 yards and turned the ball over three times; twice on downs and once on a fumble. The Peacocks could not take advantage of the Golden Bear mistakes on the day and it proved to be the difference. Concordia turned the ball over five times (two fumbles, two on downs, one interception) and missed a field goal.

Curran threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns after completing 14 of his 31 attempts. Hosch caught 4 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing 3 times for 11 yards. Sam Epsteen led the backs with 12 carries for 52 yards.

On defense, Upper Iowa was led by Brandon Clarke (8 solo tackles), Nate Curran (5 solo, 2 assisted tackles), and Scott Fader (4 solo, 3 assisted tackles, .5 sack). Justin Michaels and Vernard Wilkins came up with fumble recoveries for UIU, while Casey Poppenfoose made his first collegiate interception to stop a Golden Bear drive in the endzone.

Upper Iowa will remain on the road next Saturday, Nov. 1. The Peacocks will visit the Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. next Saturday.